Lots of good topics this week at the Ontario Genealogical Society, including a four-and-a-half-hour family history writing workshop. All of these virtual presentations are free to everyone, with the exception of the workshop, which is free to members, but $25 for non-members.
The following take place in Eastern time.
Monday, April 6, 7:00 p.m. — Leeds & Grenville Branch
Our American Neighbours: Brockville’s Relationship with the United States by With Alice McMurtry
Alice’s presentation will be an overview of the economic, industrial, and transportation connections between Brockville and the United States (upper New York State in particular), and how this relationship has changed over time. Register to watch online.
Tuesday, April 7, 7:30 p.m. — Durham County Branch
The Ontario Land Records Index by Jane MacNamara
Jane MacNamara will introduce the newly digitized version of an old friend to family historians — the Ontario Land Records Index. This was a long-term project for the Toronto Branch, and it is finally accessible from your own home. The Ontario Land Records Index (OLRI) is an index to those settlers who were allocated Crown land in Upper Canada/Canada West/Ontario. Its coverage ranges from the earliest grants of the 1780s, to acquisitions administered by the Canada Company and Peter Robinson, to grants for military service in the Fenian Raids and South African War in the 20th century. Register to watch online.
Wednesday, April 8, 6:30 p.m. — British Home Children Special Interest Group
Home Children Scheme
An overview of the British Home Children Scheme followed by an in-depth look at a Barnardos child. Register to watch online.
Wednesday, April 8, 7:00 p.m. — York Branch
The Toronto Book of Love by Adam Bunch
This presentation explores the history of the city through fascinating tales of romance, marriage and passion. Register to watch online.
Saturday, April 11, 10:00 a.m. — Kent Branch
De Langhe Family: Belgium to Kent County by Pascal De Langhe
Join us to hear the story of the emigration of a branch of the Delanghe family from the Flemish village of Koekelare to the USA and the Ontario region in Canada in the early 1900s. Register to watch online.
Saturday, April 11, 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. — Ontario Ancestors
Family History Writing Workshop Day
Join this introductory course designed to help you turn your family research into clear, engaging written narratives. Whether you are just starting or looking to improve your storytelling, this session will guide you through practical techniques for organizing information, developing structure, and writing with purpose.
10:00 a.m. – Ross Petty – Publishing Journal Articles Involving Ancestors
11:30 a.m. – Kate Penney Howard – Facts and Fables: Crafting Your Family Narrative
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Lynn Palermo – Ancestors Profiles Writing Workshop
This event is free for members or $25 for non-members. For more information or to register, visit: https://ogs.on.ca/family-history-writing-course-april-2026.
