There’s plenty to learn in the Ontario Genealogical Society’s six virtual presentations this week.
They presentations take place in Eastern Daylight Time.
Tuesday, March 17, 7:00 p.m. — Nipissing Branch
Virtual Tour of Nipissing Junction Union Cemetery with Pam Tessier
Wednesday, March 18, 7:00 p.m. — Thunder Bay District Branch
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 by Steven Schwinghamer
Over one million people entered Canada through Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia between 1928 to 1971. These newcomers included farm labourers recruited by the railways, Second World War soldier dependants, post-war refugees, and families fleeing conflict, such as Hungarians escaping the 1956 Soviet crackdown. Historian Steven Schwinghamer from the Canadian Museum of Immigration will explore the history of this remarkable site and how ocean-immigration documents can help us understand the journeys our own families may have taken. Register to watch online.
Friday, March 20, 7:00 p.m. — Niagara Peninsula Branch
The Servos Family Journey: A Story of Bravery, Loyalty, and Determination by David Servos
This presentation traces the remarkable journey of the Servos family, from their origins during the Serbian-Ottoman conflicts in the 1400s through centuries of migration across Europe, ultimately settling in North America. Their story is defined by bravery, loyalty to monarchies, and perseverance through upheaval — from military service in Germany to Loyalist trials during the American Revolution. Key United Empire Loyalist figures like Christopher Thomas and Captain Daniel Servos, played a pivotal role in early Niagara settlement. “Palatine Hill” became a family legacy and historic site in Niagara-on-the-Lake, symbolizing their enduring impact. The family’s story spans wars, migration, economic enterprise, and contributions to Canadian heritage, culture, and preservation. Register to watch online.
Saturday, March 21, 10:00 a.m. — Kingston Branch
Last of the Edwardian-Era Liners: S.S. Keewatin and the Legacy of Passenger Travel on the Great Lakes by David Mitchell
The Great Lakes Museum is home to the S.S. Keewatin, the last remaining steam-driven passenger-liner in the world. Built in Glasgow, Scotland in 1907, she served as part of the Canadian Pacific line until 1965, providing a short cut across Lake Superior from Port McNicoll, Ontario to Thunder Bay, Ontario. Join us and discover what life was like aboard this luxury liner in the hay days of steamer travel.
This is a hybrid meeting. Attend in person at the Kingston Seniors Centre, 56 Francis Street, or register to watch online.
Saturday, March 21, 1:00 p.m. — Quinte Branch
FamilySearch Full Text Search Feature is a Game Changer in Family Research by Amber Godfrey
Being able to do a full text search of probate and land records on FamilySearch has completely changed the way that family historians and genealogists are able to use these documents. Indexing on the major research websites usually covers only the main person in a document and these types of records are full of names – spouses, children, parents, siblings, other relatives, FAN 8 (Friends, Neighbours and Associates) and more. Amber will show us how to search the records efficiently and give examples of the kind of information you can find within them. She has found detailed wills and estate inventories, guardianship records for minor children, deeds with very specific boundary descriptions and much more!
This is a hybrid meeting. Attend in person at St. Matthew’s United Church in Belleville or register to watch online.
Sunday, March 22, 2:00 p.m. — Halton-Peel Branch
The British Home Children: Canada’s Forgotten Legacy by Lori Oschefski
Join Lori Oschefski, founder of Home Children Canada for a presentation on the history of the British Home Children and the challenges these children faced. Learn about key resources for research and the vast contributions over 100,000 Home Children made to Canada’s development as a nation. Register to watch online.
