The Toronto branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will host its virtual monthly meeting tonight, and it includes two virtual presentations. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time, and it is free to watch for all who register.
In Linda Reid’s presentation, Why she is (a bit of) a contrarian in genetic genealogy, she will share her views on making effective use of DNA testing for genealogy. There are many “experts” in this new genealogical field, often having strong and varying opinions. While Linda frequently agrees with the majority, there are cases where her opinions differ. Linda will talk of how she navigates the many choices of tools and techniques and why she has made the choices she has. Perhaps the points she raises will help you to navigate your path — and enjoy productive genetic genealogy research.
The opening act will feature Tys Klumpenhouwer on Tracing Roots Through Records: Genealogy and the University of Toronto Archives. This presentation will introduce attendees to the extensive resources available at the University of Toronto Archives and their value for genealogical research. The presentation will highlight the diverse materials collected — such as institutional records, personal papers, student publications, photographs, and oral histories — and explore how these resources support historical and family research. Attendees will discover key genealogical assets like alumni records, yearbooks, clippings files, and various rolls and registers, along with practical guidance on accessing them through on-site visits, digital collections, and archivist support. The session also offers tips for maximizing archival tools, interpreting historical documents, and uncovering hidden sources, empowering participants to begin or deepen their genealogical journey using records at the University of Toronto Archives.
