This week, Ontario Ancestors, four of its branches and a special interest group are kicking off the new year with online meetings that are free and open to the public. At least one of the meetings is hybrid — in-person and online.
All times are in Eastern time.
Tuesday, January 3, 7:30 p.m. — Durham Region Branch
Exploring FamilySearch.org by Michele Jeannotte
Join Michele as she demonstrates some of the key features of the free FamilySearch.org website. Find out how to search the records, navigate the online catalogue and browse digitized films. She’ll also talk about some of the ‘hidden extras’ offered. This wonderful free genealogy site is a must for all genealogists. Registration.
Wednesday, January 4, 10:00 a.m. — Scottish SIG
Celebrating the New Year in Scotland by Graeme Johncock
Wednesday, January 4, 7:30 p.m. — Huron County Branch
Chipping Away at the Brickwall by Ken McKinlay
We all have them… those ancestors that we just can’t find. This presentation on methodologies will help you find those answers including working around our own assumptions and resources to look at for help. Registration.
Thursday, January 5, 7:00 p.m. — Ontario Ancestors
Maple Leaves, Stars and Stripes by Linda Corupe
It is a given that the history of Canada is closely tied to that of the United States. And so, it follows that sometimes it is possible to learn more details about an ancestor through records from the other side of the border. Over the years, there has been a constant flow of ordinary people and fugitives from justice, as well as negotiations, government policies, ideas, products, and even hostilities travelling back and forth. Many of these interactions have generated records useful to genealogists. This presentation illustrates many ways in which the sources for such records can be found and consulted.
There are numerous occasions of interactions between Canada and the U.S. Consulting the records of the other side of the border for hints and clues about our ancestors can sometimes be rewarding. Registration.
Saturday, January 7, 10:00 a.m. — London & Middlesex Branch
Society of Friends (Quakers) Settlement in Coldstream by Dave Zavitz
This will be our first “hybrid” presentation, meaning that you will have the option to join us live and in-person at the Latter-Day Saints Church, Riverside Drive, London, OR you may join us virtually via Zoom. Either way, we look forward to seeing you. The event is free and open to anyone. For those attending in-person, please stay after the meeting to enjoy some social time and small refreshments.
In this presentation, Dave Zavitz will cover the following questions:
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- Who are the Society of Friends (Quakers) and what do they believe?
- What form does their worship take?
- How did the village of Coldstream come about and develop: Meeting House, burying ground, local business and industries
- Who were the main forces behind the development and how did they help shape this community: Education, literacy, communication, social & family?
- How is this development echoed today?
The event is free, but registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance.
Saturday, January 7, 2:00 p.m. — Simcoe County Branch
Creating a Life Story Book by Christine Woodcock
Have you spent time researching your ancestors, finding the details of their lives and wanted to share, but just don’t know how to go about it? Where to start, what should, or shouldn’t be shared, what shape should it take, how much will it cost? Christine Woodcock will explain to us how to Create a Life Story Book. She will walk us through the process and present ideas of what to include in our book that will honour the life of our ancestor. Registration.
