Five virtual presentations will take place this week at Ontario Ancestors. All are open to the public and, with the exception of one, all are free.
The following times are in EDT.
Monday, March 17, 1:00 p.m. — Sudbury District Branch
Irish Immigration to Canada: Stories of Migration, Loss and New Beginnings by Jillian van Turnhout
We will explore the compelling history of Irish migration to Canada, from the early settlers of the 1600s through the tragic years of the Great Famine and beyond. Drawing on personal stories, historical records, and genealogical expertise, this presentation will guide you through available resources for tracing your Irish ancestors and understanding their journey to Canada. Whether you’re beginning your family history research or facing genealogical brick walls, discover how to navigate both Irish and Canadian records to uncover your family’s story. Register to watch online.
Thursday, March 20, 1:00 p.m. – Kawartha Branch
Archives of Ontario
Hosted by the Peterborough Public Library, this will be a 30 to 40-minute orientation presentation on conducting genealogical research at the Archives of Ontario, followed by a 20 to 30-minute Q&A session. Register on the library’s website to watch online.
Thursday, March 20, 7:00 p.m. — Ontario Ancestors
Researching Women Series: Sifting Through the Cookbooks for Our Female Ancestors by Eleanor Brinsko
There’s something special about cooking that can bring us back to a particular place, time, conversation, experience, family. Eleanor Brinsko will look at the history of the evolution of home cooking and how we can use these recipes, cookbooks, and experiences to help us further our genealogical research and family history.
Get a head start on this presentation by digging out the family recipes, church cookbooks, and newspaper clippings of recipe entries.
Ontario Ancestors members may attend for free. The fee for non-members is $25 for the series or $10 for an individual session. Learn more about this session, the series, and registration here.
Friday, March 21, 7:00 p.m. — Niagara Peninsula Branch
Using AI for Genealogy by Rhonda Hoffman
Join us to learn about some cool genealogy tools that will help make your research, productivity, and planning easier — and some that will let you have a little fun. The following tools will be demonstrated: using artificial intelligence for transcribing records, making tables, and creating images; helpful apps such as Google Lens and Genius Scan; diagram sites; Family Search full-text search; Goldie May; citation builders; and Google Earth Pro. Register to watch online.
Sunday, March 23, 2:00 p.m. — Halton-Peel Branch
Nach Kanada! Immigration of Germans to Canada by Dave Obee
Germans have been migrating to Canada since the 18th century and have played major roles in the development of the nation. Early arrivals came from German territory, while more recent arrivals came from countries such as Poland, the Soviet Union or Brazil. Germans appear in a variety of Canadian records, including some that do not have Canadians of British descent. This session will include a basic history of Germans in Canada as well as a guide to useful sources. Register to watch online.