Archives Week at the Archives of Ontario

Last Thursday, the Archives of Ontario held a great event celebrating Archives Week. There were upwards of 40 people registered and they were treated to lectures on Photography, Preserving Heirlooms, Genealogical Research, and Historical Film. After the lectures, they participated in a tour of the Archives holdings.

The Ontario Genealogical Society was one of three official partners involved in the event. Also included were The Archives Association of Ontario and the Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections based in the Scott Library on the York University Campus.

Manning the Ontario Genealogical Society's table, I had some great in-depth conversations with many of the attendees. Some were interested in the Society, some were members of the Society and many had questions on where to take their research. What a bonus to be at the Archives, where so many of my suggestions could be implemented right away!

After the event, I stayed to do some of my own research in the reading room. While there, one person spoke to me that one of my suggestions had hit pay-dirt for her! So pleased that I could help. [ I used Brenda Merriman's book, Genealogy in Ontario: Searching the Records, which was featured on our table. It still is the go-to resource for Ontario records. ]

Tomorrow - more on my conversation with one of the Archivists from the Clara Thomas Archives.

Free Civil War Documents on Fold3

For those of you with American ties, Fold3.com has FREE access from April 14 - 30th to their Civil War Collection.

The link is at http://go.fold3.com/civilwar/

You will have to create an account, or sign in if you have created an account in the past. Once you have signed in, the above link will take you to the free content.

Join OGS for Archives Awareness Week at the Archives of Ontario

I have been asked to help man the OGS table at the Ontario Archives this Thursday - so I will be able to represent Durham Region Branch too!

The Archives of Ontario is pleased to be celebrating Archives Awareness Week in partnership with the Archives Association of Ontario, the Ontario Genealogical Society, and York University’s Clara Thomas Archives and Special Collections. We’ve got a great day of on-site activities planned for Thursday, April 10th from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

Visit the Archives of Ontario where you can:

• learn about our collections and services

• explore our partners’ information tables

• attend presentations on archival research and preservation

• tour the building

Admission is free! You can register online at http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/about/archives_week.aspx 

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OGS Conference 2014 - Branch Table

Durham Region Branch will have tables in the Marketplace at St. Catherines!

However, we need VOLUNTEERS to man the table!

Just looking for an hour or two! No experience needed. Just some knowledge of old Ontario and Durham Counties.

SO, please check which lectures you are attending and see if you can help out.

Thanks everyone, 

Nancy

Contact me at nancy.trimble@gmail.com.

Mystery Photo: Unidentified Whitby Couple

I found this mystery photo on the OGS website. It was submitted by Judith Harris, and she wants the couple identified. 

The photo was taken at the Grand Studio, Whitby, by W.E. O'Brien. Does anyone recognize them? If so, add your guess to the reader comments.

Thank you.

Conference 2014 has a Facebook Page!

Don’t forget Conference 2014 in Niagara! They are looking forward to your registrations. 

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