Durham Branch’s Nov. 3rd Virtual Meeting - Second World War : Researching the Canadians Who Served - Ken McKinlay

Join Durham Region Branch, Ontario Ancestors on Tuesday, November 3rd at 7:30 pm as we host one of our favourite speakers, Ken McKinlay.

Second World War : Researching the Canadians Who Served

Ken McKinlay's presentation delves into the wealth of records available for researching those who served Canada during the Second World War. He will explore both the poignant records of those who gave their lives in service to Canada and the rich archival resources that reveal the stories of those who survived. Whether your interest lies in uncovering military service details, personal narratives, or broader historical insights, this session hopefully provides the tools and guidance to deepen your understanding of those who served Canada in this terrible war.

Embarking on a genealogical adventure over two decades ago, Ken McKinlay's quest began

with a mission to confirm or debunk three family stories. Despite uncovering the truths behind those initial tales, Ken's passion for delving into his family's past remains steadfast, fueled by a constant stream of new questions. As a sought-after speaker by branches of Ontario Ancestors, the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa, and other genealogy societies across Canada, Ken McKinlay shares his expertise through engaging talks and workshops. His topics have included researching those who have fought for Canada in the world wars, exploring the Canadian censuses, delving into the mysteries of Ontario Land Records, and an eight part series covering "Back to Basics" research for the British Isles. In 2025 he made his debut with Legacy Family Tree Webinars with his talk "Exploring Library and Archives Canada Online". His presentations also focus on genealogical methodologies and overcoming genealogy brick walls. Beyond public speaking, Ken shares his insights on his blog, Family Tree Knots (https://familytreeknots.blogspot.com/), providing a valuable resource for fellow enthusiasts.

Please pre-register at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gdjXTOuvSGebeN6_4ScYvg

Durhams Oct. 6th Virtual Meeting - Laura Suchan - What Gravestones Can Tell You About Your Ancestors

 

Please join Durham Region Branch, Ontario Ancestors on Tuesday, October 6th at 7:30 pm when our guest speaker, Laura Suchan, will show us how to get more details from our ancestors’ gravestones!

What Gravestones Can Tell You About Your Ancestors

Genealogists know information retrieved from gravestones has a practical application to identify the deceased. However, gravestone can offer up more information about your ancestors when interpreted correctly. Besides functioning as a memorial to the deceased, gravestones in Ontario provide insight into nineteenth and twentieth century life. The visual imagery of the gravestone motifs functions as a decorative element, which reaffirm the position of the deceased within the community and celebrate relationships. On an artistic level, gravestones offer insights into popular culture. Motifs were specifically chosen by the carver or family members to communicate messages about the departed and their significance in the community. In an era when illiteracy was common, carvers relied on the symbols to convey messages of mortality and spirituality to those unable to read. Themes relating to life, death and the hope for everlasting life are just some of the messages portrayed on the stones. Discover the clues and information that gravestones can reveal about your ancestors and the world in which they lived.

Bio

Laura Suchan, MA, PLCGS, is a historian, genealogist, researcher, and heritage professional who has dedicated her career to preserving and interpreting the history of Oshawa and Durham Region.  A passionate genealogist, Laura specializes in family-history research, cemetery studies, and gravestone documentation, helping individuals and communities connect with their past. Her research on Ontario cemeteries and gravemarkers, has contributed to genealogy and cemetery-preservation initiatives across the province, and she frequently speaks on topics related to local history, gravestones, and family-history research.

Kindly pre-register at the following Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gdjXTOuvSGebeN6_4ScYvg

Durham's September 8th Virtual Meeting at 7:30 pm EDT - Using DNA to Solve Geography Questions with Dave Obee.

Using DNA to Solve Geography Questions with Dave Obee.

Join us on Tues., September 8th at 7:30 pm EDT

So you have spit into a tube -- now what? Your next step after getting your test results might be to consult an atlas, because geographic clues from your matches might get you looking in the right direction. This session includes some DNA success stories, based on geography and backed by documented research. It also offers pointers on how to get more value from your tests.

Dave Obee is one of our favourite speakers!

Dave Obee has written a dozen books and has given more than 700 presentations at genealogy and history conferences since 1997. He offers four dozen presentation topics, ranging from general genealogical information, to Canadian research, to technology and more. Editor and Publisher of the “Times Colonist“ in Victoria, British Columbia, Dave hosts CanGenealogy, a link site that is selective and sorted for ease of use. He also runs Volhynia.com, a website dedicated to the old German colonies in the northwest corner of Ukraine. His own website is DaveObee.com

This will be a Zoom only meeting. Kindly register at the following Zoom link: 

 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GFel0A71R3G6ER8cLKQirw 

Durham’s Virtual June 2nd Meeting @ 7:30 pm: The Home Children Scheme and It’s Untold Stories

Between 1869 and the 1940s, over 100,000 children were sent from Britain to Canada through migration programs, often coming from vulnerable backgrounds. Many were placed in homes where they worked as farm labourers or domestic servants, frequently experiencing hardship and isolation. Despite these challenges, their resilience and contributions played a significant role in shaping Canada’s social and economic development, while their experiences highlight an important and often difficult chapter in the country’s history.

Dianne Cosway is a retired retail professional with more than 20 years of experience in customer service and leadership. In retirement, she has focused on genealogy, researching family histories and the stories of the British Home Children. Through well-researched and heartfelt presentations, she helps audiences connect with this important chapter of history.

Marg Graham, a lifelong resident of Northumberland County, moved to Trent Hills in 2021 after a career as a legal secretary/law clerk. In semi-retirement, she focuses on community service and historical preservation, serving as a Director at Home Children Canada and researching her grandmother Mary Mortimer’s legacy. Among other community activities, she is also Vice Chair of the local library board, and has been recognized with a Paul Harris Fellow award for her contributions.

Kindly register at the following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BRYhmwMHT26EHlLg2fUMfQ

 

Durham's May 5th Meeting- “When the Old World meets the New: The immigration experience at Pier 21 in the early 20th century”

 

Tuesday, May 5th, 2024

**1:30 pm EDT** – Virtual Meeting (no video recording)

“When the Old World meets the New: The immigration experience at Pier 21 in the early 20th century”

– Pier 21 Staff

We are booked for a virtual visit to The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Two Permanent Heritage Interpreters will deliver a presentation that blends a concise history of Pier 21 with an overview of what the Museum offers in terms of research and genealogy resources, including online tools that the team regularly uses. The presentation will also touch on the broader immigration journey from departure by ship to arrival at Pier 21 and the cross-Canada train routes to help situate the experience for members with early Ontario ancestors.

Please note: It is the Museum's policy that these sessions are not recorded, as the content of the presentations are proprietary.

Kindly pre-register at the following Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Kmj3g8V2QZSzulUfm9h8fQ

Durham's April 7th Zoom Meeting - The Ontario Land Index - Jane MacNamara

Please join Durham Branch at 7:30 pm on April 7th as one of our favourite speakers Jane MacNamara speaks about the Ontario Land Records Index.

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.

Kindly register at the following Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ggvLC88jRsWHRTecVQE6_g

Durham Branch's March 3rd Virtual Meeting - “AI in Genealogy: Say Hello to Your Personal Research Assistant” - Michael Nettleton

created with ChapGPT

Join us at Durham’s March 3rd Meeting via Zoom at 7:30 pm when Michael will introduce us to Artificial Intelligence, using exploration of building source references and providing some additional actionable suggestions for getting started.

Michael Nettleton has been capturing family history since a young age. Active with several genealogical and historical groups, he is a frequent presenter at Toronto Branch meetings and has spoken at the OGS Conference. Michael is an articulate and engaging speaker, and a precise author. He has addressed audiences in a variety of roles, preparing and delivering presentations and articles professionally and personally as an authority on a range of topics.

The registration link is available on the Durham Region Branch website: 

https://durham.ogs.on.ca