Free virtual presentation — ‘Between Friends/Entre Amis: Cousins Across the Border’ by Dave Obee

Posted on May 18, 2025 by Gail Dever

The Canadian eSIG of the Genealogical Society of Collier County in Florida will host the free virtual presentation, Between Friends/Entre Amis: Cousins Across the Border, delivered by one of Canada’s most popular speakers, Dave Obee, on Tuesday, May 27, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time.

Many genealogists have ancestors who traversed the border between Canada and the US, leaving vital records in both nations. Dave Obee’s presentation explores cross-border migration patterns and practical strategies for finding relatives who have moved across the world’s longest unguarded frontier. You will learn about unique types of records in each country and view successful research that bridged the border to overcome genealogical brick walls.

This presentation is available to all who register.

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This week’s crème de la crème — May 17, 2025

Posted on May 17, 2025 by Gail Dever

Some of the bijoux I discovered this week.

Crème de la crème of genealogy blogs

Blog posts
Trying Out Ancestry.com’s New Document Transcription Tool by Randy Seaver on Genea-Musings.

First Impressions: Family Tree Maker 2024 (FTM 2024) by Doris Kenney on A Tree With No Name.

8 Ways to Find Your Ancestor’s Emigration Date by Yvette Hoitink on Dutch Genealogy.

Finding Amelia Small in FamilySearch Full-Text Search by Dr. Margaret M. McMahon on a Week of Genealogy.

Don’t Miss the 2025 National Archives’ Genealogy Series by Janine Adams on Organize Your Family History.

Verifying the parents of Elizabeth Beake…Part 2 by Teresa Basińska Eckford on Writing my past.

Mother’s Day and Legacies by Roberta Estes on DNAeXplained.

5 Questions to Ask Your Mom (or Ask About Her) This Mother’s Day by Diane Henriks on Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family.

If I Could Do It Over: Oral History by Marian B. Wood on Climbing My Family Tree.

Photos That Tell Half the Story: Discovering Family Beyond Blood and Marriage by Laura Hedgecock on Treasure Chest of Memories.

The Miller of Moneymore by Janice Hamilton on Genealogy Ensemble.

Ancestry Discovers Pope Leo XIV’s Sicilian Roots on Ancestry Blog.

Pope Leo’s European Grandparents: The Mystery Solved by Sean Daly on Geneanet Blog.

Article
How to Preserve Your Family History Like an Archivist by Nisa Khan, KQED, San Francisco, California.

For more gems like these throughout the week, join the Genealogy à la carte Facebook group. When you submit your request to join, you will be asked to answer two quick questions about your family history research..

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Digital Museums Canada awards more than $2 million in funding to museums and Indigenous organizations

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Gail Dever

Digital Museums Canada (DMC) yesterday announced an investment of over $2 million in 18 new online projects developed by museums and heritage, cultural and Indigenous organizations across Canada.

DMC is managed by the Canadian Museum of History, and these projects were selected by a national advisory committee from the 2024 call for proposals.

“This year we received over 150 proposals for inspiring online projects from every province in Canada,” said Leah Resnick, Director, Digital Museums Canada. “We continue to see a record number of proposal submissions from museums, demonstrating their keen interest in digital storytelling and building their online capacity.”

This year, 18 organizations have been awarded funding across the Community Stories and Digital Projects streams. The projects selected touch on a diverse range of topics, including Indigenous heritage and language revitalization, Black Loyalists, military history, immigration, mental health and community health care, sports and the Olympics, visual art, geology, and 2SLGBTQIA+ stories.

A full list of awarded projects, with descriptions provided by each organization, are available on DMC’s website. A few descriptions have been included below.

Community Stories
Black Loyalist Heritage Society (Shelburne, N.S.)
Forged in Fire: The Black Loyalists, 1775–1800 
This digital project traces the extraordinary journey of self-emancipated Black Loyalists from the Thirteen Colonies to Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, Sierra Leone, and beyond. Drawing on rare primary source documents from archives across four continents, Forged in Fire reframes the Black Loyalist narrative as a transatlantic epic of resilience and self-determination. Curated by Black scholars and descendants of Black Loyalists, the project delves into intersections with Indigenous communities, explores Black-led resistance to colonial systems, and highlights contributions often erased from dominant histories.

Bobby Orr Hall of Fame (Parry Sound, Ont.)
Sport and Anishinaabe Values: Seven Grandfather Gifts and the Seventh Generation Principle in Parry Sound

Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital (Norris Point, N.L.)
The Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital: Community Health Care in Rural Newfoundland, 1938–2001

Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society (Vancouver, B.C.)
The Untold Stories of Force 136 – From Canada to [Hong Kong, India, and Borneo]
In The Untold Stories of Force 136, follow the lives of three Canadians of Chinese descent who navigated a critical period in Canada’s development toward multiculturalism. The Second World War was a crucible of change. These native-born Canadians — voteless and nearly stateless — volunteered to serve in what some described as a suicide mission, for the so-called British Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (Special Operations Executive, or SOE). Sent around the world, they participated in secret military operations in Hong Kong, India and Borneo. Today, the community speaks of “one war, two victories,” because the war was only the first of many battles to be won. New research from The National Archives, London provides never-before-seen details from declassified SOE files, allowing a more in-depth understanding of how a community gained its rights in the face of powerful political opposition. 

Fredericton Region Museum (Fredericton, N.B.)
Forgotten Loyalty: New Brunswick’s Hidden Connection to the No. 2 Construction Battalion
Forgotten Loyalty honours the No. 2 Construction Battalion, and in particular the region’s local connections to this historic regiment. This project not only highlights the military history of the No. 2 Construction Battalion as a unit, but also delves into the identities of the local men who were members and their significant contributions. This virtual exhibition provides an opportunity to learn more about a previously unseen part of Fredericton’s past.

Harambec (Montreal, Que.)
We’re Here, We’ve Always Been Here: Tracing the Struggles and Contributions of Black LGBTQ+ Women and Non-Binary People in Quebec

Kelowna Museums Society (Kelowna, B.C.)
Kelowna’s Forgotten Chinatown: A Digital Reclamation
Discover the hidden history of Kelowna’s Chinatown, a once-thriving community that has been largely overlooked. This digital project delves into the significant contributions of the Chinese community to the city’s development. Through in-depth research and captivating storytelling, follow along as we reclaim a lost history, honour the Chinese Canadian experience, and inspire future generations.

McCord Stewart Museum (Montreal, Que.)
The Olympic Games in Montréal 

The Reach Gallery Museum (Abbotsford, B.C.)
Honouring Semá:th X̱ó:tsa: Community Stories of Sumas Lake 

Digital Projects
Art Windsor-Essex (Windsor, Ont.)
IAIN BAXTER&: What’s the Big Idea?

Capital Heritage Connexion (Ottawa, Ont.)
Voices from the Past, Echoes of the Future: Black History Across Canada
This project brings the rich history of 19th-century Black life in Canada to you through an interactive and accessible digital platform. It showcases the migration, resilience, and contributions of Black communities in provinces and territories. Featuring archival photographs, oral histories, short video interviews, and interactive maps, the project immerses you in stories of perseverance and community-building. Designed for students and educators, and accessible to the public, the platform offers school-friendly educational resources and stories that link the past to today. 

Gwagwaltama Revitalization Society (Port Hardy, B.C.)
Bak̓wa̱mk̓ala Revitalization, Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw Resurgence: Bringing Their Voices and Dialects Forward 

Hesquiaht Language Program (Port Alberni, B.C.)
Voices of Hesquiaht: Stories Carried Through Time

Marieval IRS and Cowessess Gravesite Project, Cowessess First Nation (Cowessess, Sask.)
Preserving the Legacy: The Marieval IRS and Cowessess First Nation Story

Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council (Mill Bay, B.C.)
Branches of Her Wisdom: Stories of Traditional Practices of Food Sovereignty and Cultural Preservation

Pacific Museum of Earth (Vancouver, B.C.)
Mineral Journeys: Pasts, Presents and Futures

Société des arts technologiques (Montreal, Que.)
IN/VISIBLE: Reimagining the Worst Day of My Life 

Toronto Ward Museum (Toronto, Ont.)
Driving Canada: A Digital Exhibition

Digital Museums Canada is the largest investment program of its kind in the country, having provided over $22 million in funding to more than 275 projects to date. It offers Canadian museums and heritage organizations funding, expert guidance, and user-friendly tools to tell stories on a variety of online platforms, such as virtual exhibitions and tours, online games, web apps, and educational resources. 

2025 Call for Proposals
Eligible organizations are invited to apply during the next call for proposals, which opens on June 15. For more information, visit the DMC website.

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Newspapers.com’s Ontario collection continues to grow

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Gail Dever

If your ancestors lived in Ontario’s Niagara Region in the 19th century and early 20th century, you may want to take a look at Newspaper.com’s latest additions. More than 50 newspaper titles, primarily from this area, were added yesterday.

There are now 684 Canadian newspapers available to search, although in several cases there are only a few years and pages digitized.

For example, newly added are these Welland papers: Welland Telegraph (1881-1891 — 25 pages), Welland Tribune (1885-1892 — 31 pages), Welland Tribune and Telegraph (1923-1925 — 220 pages), and Evening Tribune (1967 — 108 pages).

Also now available are the Irish Canadian (1875 — 8 pages), published in Toronto, and The Women’s Standard (1895 — 8 pages), published in St. Catharines.

A Newspapers.com subscription is not required to look at the list of papers and years that are available.

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Notman Photographic Archives added to UNESCO Memory of the World International Register

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Gail Dever

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has inscribed the Notman Photographic Archives on the Memory of the World International Register.

The register serves to safeguard and promote access to documentary heritage of global significance — archives that chronicle the history of the world and the heritage of humanity.

William Notman, 1863, McCord Museum.

The Notman Photographic Archives, preserved at the McCord Stewart Museum in Montreal, consist of 200,000 glass plate negatives, 400,000 prints and hundreds of record books and ledgers produced by the Montreal Notman studio between 1856 and 1935.

This vast collection includes hundreds of thousands of individual and group portraits that demonstrate the unique aesthetic and innovations William Notman brought to portrait photography, earning him an international reputation as the most prominent Canadian photographer of his era.

The Notman studio pioneered several experimental techniques, including using magnesium to create an early form of flash photography, printing photographs on pages with letterpress text, and large composite photographs made by combining different photographs into a larger image.

Yves-Gérard Méhou-Loko, Secretary General, Canadian Commission for UNESCO, said, “The vast number of studio portraits captured and methodically catalogued by Notman are invaluable documentation of 19th century Canadian society. He photographed not only the white business and political elite as might be expected, but also artists, sports clubs, tradesmen, Black railway porters, nannies, and former slaves to create an important historical record of Canadian multicultural society.”

At its height, the Notman studio employed almost sixty people, including many women. My great-grandmother, Amy Young Haire, worked for Notman, as well as two of her cousins, Annie Young and Mary Fyvie Young. Their employment may explain why there are more than 200 photos of my ancestors and relatives in McCord’s Notman collection.

Annie Young, who was the daughter of George Young and Elizabeth Webster, worked for the Notman Studio until she married James Stewart Reed in 1881. This photo was taken in 1878 when she was a member of the staff.
Source: II-50117.1, Notman Photographic Archives, McCord Museum.

The studio’s photographers, in addition to documenting Montreal’s development into a major urban centre, were sent across the country to capture cityscapes, landscapes, and major development projects such as the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The images of majestic mountains, lakeshore living, industrial and port workers, Indigenous communities, and urban development were sold as souvenir prints to locals and tourists and widely circulated in magazines and books such as The Canadian Handbook and Tourist’s Guide (1866), contributing to shaping national and international notions of Canada both pre and post Confederation.

A number of Notman photos are available on McCord’s website.

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Ontario Ancestors’ virtual presentations this week

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Gail Dever

Ontario Ancestors offers four virtual presentations, starting tonight through to Saturday morning. They are free and open to the public.

The following times are in Eastern time.

Tuesday, May 13, 1:00 p.m. — Ireland SIG
Researching Irish Farming History by William Roulston

The aim of this talk is to help those with roots in Ireland find out more about their farming ancestors through identifying documentary and printed sources of relevance. The talk will present information on relevant collections in archives and libraries across Ireland. Much attention will be focused on records relating to the management of landed estates and what these can tell us about tenant-farmers in Ireland. Register to watch online.

Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. — Essex County and Lambton County Branches
Just Across the Border by Kathryn Lake Hogan

Thousands of people cross the international border between Canada and the United States every day. Our ancestors crossed those borders as well. Discover what can be found in Canada-USA border entry records and why every family historian should be researching them. Register to watch online.

Thursday, May 15, 1:00 p.m. — Kawartha Branch
Manvers Township Historical Society by Teresa Jordan

Teresa Jordan will give us an overview of the history of Manvers Township Historical Society and the current status of the organization, the hours of operation of their Research Centre and the various projects that they currently have underway. Come join us to discover what the society has to offer to assist with your genealogy and historical research in Manvers Township, City of Kawartha Lakes (formerly known as Victoria County). Register at the Peterborough Public Library to watch online.

Saturday, May 17, 10:00 a.m. — Kingston Branch
Héritage-Canadiana by Glenn Wright

Héritage-Canadiana is an extraordinary website with extensive digital collections of archival records, books, newspapers, serials, maps and government publications. Glenn’s presentation will throw light on the resources and how to use them effectively in our family history and genealogical research.

Following this presentation, Derrick Bouchard, Branch Cemeteries Committee Coordinator, will shares the story behind one of the branch’s most significant 50th-anniversary projects. In 2023, dedicated volunteers from the Cemeteries Committee began transcribing the Cataraqui Cemetery burial register from microfilm reels, preserving valuable records spanning 1853 to 1978. Thanks to their hard work, more than 34,000 burial records will soon be accessible to researchers worldwide, unlocking key historical details for genealogists and historians alike. During this 15-minute talk, Derrick will provide insights into the project’s development, its significance, and a step-by-step demonstration of how genealogists can explore the pages of the burial register. This meticulously indexed collection will allow users to search by surname, date of death, burial location, and more, making it an indispensable tool for family history research. This is a hybrid meeting. Attend in person at the Kingston Seniors’ Centre at 56 Francis Street or register to watch online.

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Free access to key collections on Ancestry.ca until May 13

Posted on May 11, 2025 by Gail Dever

Ancestry.ca is offering free access to its key collections until May 13 at 11:59 p.m..

Some of the collections available for free for a limited time are:

Canada, Voters Lists, 1935-1980
Ontario, Canada, Marriages, 1826-1942
Quebec, Canada, Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1968
Quebec, Canada, Death Registers 1926-1997
England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1916‑2005

Visit Ancestry.ca to see the full list of collections that are being offered for free.

No need for credit card details to take advantage of this offer. Just register with your email and start searching.

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Québec Genealogical eSociety’s free webinar — ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Genealogy’

Posted on May 11, 2025 by Gail Dever

The Québec Genealogical eSociety will host the free webinar, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Genealogy, presented by Holly Haimerl, on Tuesday, May 13, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time.

“Diversity is where everyone is invited to the party. Equity means that everyone gets to contribute to the playlist. Inclusion means that everyone has the opportunity to dance.” — Dr. Robert Sellers, Vice Provost for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, University of Michigan

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in genealogical research involves seeking out the stories, histories and experiences for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, different races, ethnicities, cultures, abilities and sexual orientations. As genealogists and family history researchers we need to avoid perpetuating biases present in historical records, promote equity, consider multiple perspectives, use inclusive language and reflect the richness and complexity of human experiences.

Register to watch this webinar.

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This week’s crème de la crème — May 10, 2025

Posted on May 10, 2025 by Gail Dever

Some of the bijoux I discovered this week.

Crème de la crème of genealogy blogs

Blog posts
FamilySearch Labs: Full-Text Search by Dr. Margaret M. McMahon on A Week of Genealogy.

New Canadian Collections on MyHeritage and More Maps from the National Library of Scotland, with Canadian Coverage by John Reid on Anglo-Celtic Connections.

More Minneapolis and Hennepin County City Directories Now Online by Paula Stuart-Warren on Genealogy by Paula.

What to Do with Inherited Genealogy by Gena Philibert-Ortega on GenealogyBank Blog.

Enough already yet! by Judy G. Russell on The Legal Genealogist.

EMERGENCY!!! California Digital Newspapers Collection by Debbie Mascot on California Genealogical Society Blog.

2025 52 Ancestors: At the Library – First Outing to FamilySearch in Salt Lake City by Kira D. Foltz on Contagious Genealogy: A Pandemic.

One Generation Back for $27 Plus an Eight Week Wait and When Was That Volunteer Last Active on Find A Grave? by Marian B. Wood on Climbing My Family Tree.

Boston Union Workhouse and Sarah Jane (Miller) Creer (1841-1902): Using AI to Add Historical Context by Diana Elder on Family Locket.

Genealogy Research & the Wayback Machine by Linda Stufflebean on Empty Branches on the Family Tree.

4-Tool Combo Solves a DNA Problem by DiAnn Iamarino Ohama on Fortify Your Family Tree.

Just Book It by Lori Samuelson on Genealogy At Heart.

10 Ways I Use Artificial Intelligence in my Genealogy Research (with prompts) and Dear Grandpa Glover, From the Granddaughter You Never Met by Brenda Leyndyke on Journey to the Past.

Discovering the Woman Before the Title: Who was Mom BC (Before Children)? by Beth Farrar on Beth Farrar.

Forgotten Ancestors: Remembering Henry William Chiddicks by Paul Chiddicks on The Chiddicks Family Tree.

Discover’s Ancient Connections – How Are You Related? by Roberta Estes on DNAeXplained.

Articles
Hudson’s Bay Company records give public chance to ‘reconnect’ with ancestors by Brittany Hobson, Canadian Press.

A dying wish, forgotten boxes, and a lost Holocaust archive rediscovered by Erik Rolfsen, University of British Columbia Magazine, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has deep Irish roots by Kerry O’Shea, IrishCentral, New York, New York.

Michigan library working to rescue thousands of stories from gathering dust by Skyla Jewell-Hammie, Michigan Live, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

White smoke, Black pope? Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff, has African roots by Nate Tinner-Williams, Black Catholic Messenger, San Francisco, California.

For more gems like these throughout the week, join the Genealogy à la carte Facebook group. When you submit your request to join, you will be asked to answer two quick questions about your family history research.

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British Columbia marriage records for 1959 and death records for 2004 now searchable online

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Gail Dever

As part of an annual release of vital statistics, BC Archives on Wednesday uploaded digitized marriage registrations from 1959 and death registrations from 2004 to its searchable database.

But wait. It looks like there could soon be even more good news from British Columbia’s provincial archives. The Vital Statistics Agency is apparently working to provide birth registrations from 1904 to BC Archives. 

It has been a long time since birth registrations have been made available online. For the last two decades, the most recent birth registrations have been from 1903. In 2004, the British Columbia Vital Statistics Act added an extra 20 years to the release of births, extending it to 120 years.

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