This is a busy week for seven branches and a special interest group of the Ontario Genealogical Society. They will host virtual and hybrid presentations, along with an online genealogical forum.
The prize for the most intriguing presentation title of the week, perhaps even the year, goes to the Nipissing District Branch’s speaker.
All of these events are free and open to the public.
The following are in Eastern time.
Monday, September 15, 7:00 p.m. — Oxford County Branch
A British Home Child may be your ancestor by Sue Hillborn
Sue Hillborn’s grandmother was a British Home Child. In her presentation, she will talk about the child immigration scheme, her grandmother’s story, and share information on how to find your British Home Child ancestor. Register to watch online.
Tuesday, September 16, 2:00 p.m. — Sudbury District Branch
Translating, Transcribing & Summarizing Documents Using AI by Thomas MacEntee
In this presentation, learn how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in translating, transcribing, and summarizing a variety of genealogy records. A handwritten baptismal record from the 1800s? No problem. A faded newspaper obituary? No problem. Thomas will cover the best AI platforms, as well as how to craft a solid prompt to get you the results you need. This is a hybrid presentation. Attend in person at the Greater Sudbury Public Library, Meeting Room 1, 74 Mackenzie St., or register to watch online.
Tuesday, September 16, 7:00 p.m. — Nipissing District Branch
Sex Work, Political Corruption and the Law in North Bay and Beyond, 1900-1919 by Margaret O’Riordan Ross, PhD
Wednesday, September 17, 1:00 p.m. — Ireland SIG
Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland by Brian Gurrin
Brian Gurrin is the census specialist on the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland (VRTI) project. The VRTI is a collaborative research initiative aimed at reconstructing the Public Record Office of Ireland, which was destroyed in 1922. It serves as a free, open-access online resource that brings together digitized records from various archives, allowing users to explore thousands of historical documents related to Ireland’s rich history.
Brian has written extensively on census taking in Ireland and is particularly interested in the demographics of Ireland, and her regions, in the pre-Famine period, with particular emphasis on religious demography. Register to watch online.
Wednesday, September 17, 7:00 p.m. — Thunder Bay District Branch
Northwestern Ontario Genealogical Forum
To kick off the new season, we’re excited to host a District Genealogical Forum. This virtual gathering brings together representatives from genealogical societies, libraries, archives, and museums across the region, from Kenora to Hearst.
Together, we’ll uncover research nuggets — those unique local collections and resources that you won’t find on Ancestry or FamilySearch. It’s a chance to share what’s available in each community, discover new leads to explore, and collaborate with others researching Northwestern Ontario ancestors.
Got a brick wall? Bring your questions and learn from others where to find those elusive records and hidden local resources. Share stories from your own family tree or find fresh research ideas. Your next research breakthrough could be just one nugget away! Register to join in and watch online.
Friday, September 19, 7:00 p.m. — Niagara Peninsula District Branch
Genealogical Research in the Canadiana Collections by Francesca Brzezicki and Percy Miller
Join us for this overview of the Canadiana collections (Canadiana and Héritage), including demonstrations of how to search for genealogical materials and tips on getting the most out of the collections. We will also share details on some exciting updates coming soon to the Canadiana platform. This presentation will be ideal for anyone who is new to researching in Canadiana or who wants to make their research process easier and more efficient.
The Canadiana collections are stewarded by the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN), a member organization representing 88 institutions across Canada, including world-class academic libraries and research institutions, two national libraries, and Canada’s largest public library system. Register to watch online.
Saturday, September 20, 10:00 a.m. — Kingston Branch
Marriage Bonds — A Napanee Case Study by Drew von Hasselbach
A marriage bond was a 19th century marriage licence. The couple needed two people willing to vouch that there was no legal reason they could not marry. Those people had to put their money where their mouth was. If it was later found that the bride or groom was not legally entitled to wed, the guarantors had to pay the government 200 pounds – a sum worth thousands today.
So, did anyone ever have to pay? Yes! And the lucky soul was from the Napanee area. The doomed marriage was debated in Parliament and the legal fallout reached the highest court in what was Ontario – all from a case (and a wee scandal) right here in your own backyard. Register to watch online.
Saturday, September 20, 1:00 p.m. — Quinte Branch
A History of the Murray Canal by Dan Buchanan
The Murray Canal is almost forgotten in today’s bustling world, however, for several decades after it was finally opened in 1889, barges delivered all sorts of products to market and steam boats carried passengers to summer resorts and Sunday day trips.
The question has always been “Why did the canal not get built until the 1880s?”
The History Guy of Brighton, Ontario answers this question, along with others about how the politics came together to finally have it built. In fact, the Murray Canal is still there providing a vital link between Lake Ontario and the Trent Severn Waterway, but you won’t see many barges.
This is a hybrid meeting. Attend in person in the Multi-Purpose Room at Quinte West Public Library, Trenton, or register to watch online.
Dan’s books will be available for sale at the in-person meeting. A payment device will be provided for your convenience.
