It’s another good week at the Ontario Genealogical Society for family historians who like to learn from virtual presentations. Four branches and one special interest group are each hosting a presentation. They are open to all and free.
The following take place in Eastern time.
Monday, February 9, 7:00 p.m. — Oxford County Branch
The Carnegie Libraries of Oxford County by Dr. Matthew Griffis
In this presentation, Dr. Griffis, one of Oxford County Library’s local history specialists, will discuss the origins of the Carnegie library building program, its progress in Canada, and details about the five Carnegie libraries that opened in Oxford County between 1909 and 1917. The presentation includes dozens of historical images from his own collection. Register to watch online.
Tuesday, February 10, 1:00 p.m. — Ireland SIG
Finding Your Irish Ancestors: Why Townlands Matter by Jillian van Turnhout
Ever wondered why finding Irish ancestors can feel like solving a puzzle? The secret lies in understanding Ireland’s unique administrative divisions — especially townlands.
Together, we’ll journey through Ireland’s hierarchical landscape, from the sweeping counties established under English rule, through the ancient baronies with their medieval origins, to the Poor Law Unions that provided relief during Ireland’s darkest hours. We’ll demystify the often puzzling relationship between civil and ecclesiastical parishes, before highlighting the townland — Ireland’s smallest and arguably most genealogically valuable land division.
You’ll discover why knowing your ancestor’s townland is like having a GPS for Irish genealogy, helping you pinpoint them in census records, church registers, and valuation books, and breaking through research brick walls you might otherwise never overcome.
Whether you’re just starting your Irish research or looking to dig deeper, you’ll gain practical tools and strategies to make your ancestor hunt more successful. Register to watch online.
Tuesday, February 10, 7:00 p.m. — Essex County Branch
Practical AI for Family History by Rhonda Hoffman
Learn how artificial intelligence can support everyday research tasks such as summarizing documents, extracting data, transcribing historical records, and more. Register to watch online.
Tuesday, February 10, 7:00 p.m. — Lambton County Branch
What Do I Do With All of This Stuff? (Leaving a Genealogical Legacy) by Alan Campbell
Saturday, February 14, 11:00 a.m. — Simcoe County Branch
Breaking Down Brick Walls – The GPS Approach by Janice Nickerson
Ever hit a brick wall in your research you just can’t get around, no matter how hard you try? Well Janice is going to use her 20-plus years of experience to help us past that. In this webinar, she will teach us how to use the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) to tackle any research challenge by applying the five elements of the GPS: Conducting a Reasonably Exhaustive Search, Preparing Source Citations, Evaluating Evidence, Resolving Contradictions, and Writing Conclusions to our research problems. Register to watch online.
