Thursday, December 30, 2010

Picton Burial Site at Isaiah Tubbs Resort is Threatened, Prince Edward County

Just yesterday, the OGS cemetery committee received word of a Notice of Intent published in the December 16th edition of the Picton Gazette. The notice is regarding a burial site at Isaiah Tubbs Resort and Restaurant in Hallowell Township,  Prince Edward County.

According to the notice, the Registrar intends to declare the site an “Unapproved Cemetery” and invites representatives of the persons whose remains may still be interred in the former cemetery to contact the Registrar within two weeks after December 23, 2010 (ie by Jan 6, 2011)
 Time is short. Please share this information with anyone you know who may have connections with this burial ground.
If you fall into this category, please contact the Registrar by any of the following methods:
Michael D’Mello
Registrar, Cemeteries Act (Revised)
Cemeteries Regulation Unit
Ministry of Consumer Services
5775 Yonge Street, 15th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2E5

Tel: 416-326-8393     FAX 416-326-8406

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

December Bring 'n Brag Meeting


Bessie Gannon - Family Christmas Cards (1900 and pre)
Gail Cowan - Ulster Scots personal research experience
Joyce Lintner - Grandfather's escapades and model steam train
Tony Gilbert - Family Heirlooms - exquisite silk and beaded clothing, silver purses
Dan Delong - The Harris Farm findings - 99 Anstruther Lake Road
Anne Delong - History of Freemasonry in Canada book - 1899 & antique concertina
Bob Bell - 1948 Insurance Maps for Oshawa

Saturday, December 4, 2010

AVAILABLE FROM OGS - Latest Release of BMD Indexes from Archives of Ontario

 Latest release of indexes from the Archives of Ontario available from OGS. They are as follows:  
·  Indexes to Births and Stillbirths, 1913 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-4, MS 931, Reels 27)
·    Indexes to Marriages, 1928 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-7, MS 934, Reel 26)
·    Indexes to Deaths, 1938 (Archives of Ontario Series RG 80-10, MS 937, Reel 25-27) 
Price $32.00 per reel + applicable S&H and Taxes.  All orders must be PREPAID.
For more information regarding the Vital Statistics Reels, please visit our website at www.ogs.on.ca and the Archives of Ontario website at www.archives.gov.on.ca
If you require an invoice for prepayment, send your request to Catherine Morgan at cmorgan@ogs.on.ca

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Durham Region December OGS Meeting,Tuesday DEC.7th, 7:30 p.m.

Celebrating Genealogy and the Holiday Season! 
Show & Tell / Bring & Brag
At this meeting together we celebrate the season and any genealogical breakthroughs, special stories, favourite websites, interesting documents or other artifacts, etc. 
Members, you are invited share with us what genealogy 'ah-ha's you have experienced.
Please bring festive snacks to share (optional).
The break will be extended to ensure opportunity to chat and taste.
To assist the Program team, you may let us know your topic and how much time you require - whether two minutes or ten.
Please email Judy Taylor (judy.genealogy@sympatico.ca) or Joyce Lintner (jlintner@sympatico.ca)
Meeting Location for Dec. 7- Kingsview United Church - 505 Adelaide Ave. East - SW corner of Adelaide and Wilson - Oshawa - Directions 

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Help Make Bill 126 Law!

19 November 2010
      Bill 126 - An Act to Protect Ontario's Inactive Cemeteries was introduced at the Ontario Legislature on November 2, 2010. The Bill prohibits the relocation of inactive cemeteries despite anything to the contrary in another Act or regulation dealing with cemeteries.
      Since cemeteries are an important source of genealogical information, we need your help to get the Bill passed so we can preserve them. 
      Find out how you can help here: 
      (www.ogs.on.ca/services/bill126.php).

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

ROOTS 2011- An International Conference on Family History Research


roots logo 2010hosted by the Quebec Family History Society

This event will be the largest English-language genealogical conference ever held in Quebec. There will be numerous well-known speakers discussing all aspects of family history research, computer demonstrations, and a book fair. All lectures and events are in English.
Date:        June  3rd, 4th, & 5th 2011
Place:       McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
For complete program details and registration form visit the QFHS website at:  www.qfhs.ca
Or e-mail:     roots2011@bell.net
You may also write to: 
ROOTS 2011,  Quebec Family History Society,
P.O. Box 1026, Pointe Claire, Quebec, Canada  H9S 4H9
or call:  514-428-0238

Thursday, November 11, 2010

SHOW and TELL at Durham Region OGS Branch December Meeting

Celebrating the Season with Show and Tell  Holiday Treats  The December 7th meeting features a members' 'Show and Tell' followed by time to celebrate the season and to share tasty treats and conversation. Members of the branch/audience have the opportunity to make 5-10 minute presentations of genealogical  relevant experiences. Examples could be a brick wall solved or a interesting/significant family artifact or a  valuable resource or a  valuable archive/repository or interesting, valuable web site(s) or valuable software tool or an unlikely document with genealogical value and so on.  There will be a computer with web access to demonstrate a favourite web site or useful tool. 
If you wish to present bring your story, items or documents with you.  We would appreciate advance notice if possible to either Joyce Lintner (jlintner@sympatico.ca) or Guy Lafontaine (chair.durham.region.ogs@gmail.com).  Also if it is a photo you will be showing, we can display it on the screen for all to see.  Please email Guy a digital copy before the meeting day.  Also attendees are asked to bring a plate of treats to share (finger foods/sweet or not).  Beverages provided. 



Saturday, November 6, 2010

Grant Karcich - Carrying Place (L. Oshawa to L. Scugog to L. Simcoe)

During the Q&A after Grant's interesting presentation about the Carrying Place (trail) Oshawa(Lake Ontario) to Port Perry ( L.Scugog) and on to Beaverton (L. Simcoe) he explained that the amount of information on the topic was now becoming sufficient to consider a book.  An audience member suggested that, because some people in the audience had family recollections that could add to this history they could forward their related family stories to Grant.  Grant said he would appreciate it and gave permission for his email address be published.

If you have information please forward it to gkarcich@durham.net.


Again thank you to Grant for enriching our audience.  We look forward to hearing him in the new year when he will speak to us about "Finding Your Italian Ancestors".

Saturday, October 30, 2010

CALL FOR SPEAKERS: SCOTTISH FAMILY HISTORY WORKSHOP

CALL FOR SPEAKERS:
SCOTTISH FAMILY HISTORY WORKSHOP
Saturday, June 18, 2011
North York Central Library Auditorium
5120 Yonge Street, Toronto

The Ontario Genealogical Society, Toronto Branch and the Canadiana Department of the North York Central Library will be co-hosting a one-day workshop on Scottish Family History.
The principal speaker will be Chris Paton from Scotland who will give presentations on the Scottish church, Scottish land records/house history and the use of guild records. (For a summary of his talks, click here).

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Durham Region Branch OGS Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, 2 Nov. 2010

Agenda
1. Annual General Meeting
2. Feature Presentation
    Carrying Place by Grant Karcich 
Being sensible, European settlers followed the long-worn paths of Iroquois and Huron-Algonquin natives when finding their way to land grants north of Lake Ontario, establishing many namesake settlements along the way. One particular route, known as "Scugog Carrying Place", starts at Oshawa's Second Marsh (Oshawa and Farewell Creeks), ending at Beaverton on Lake Simcoe,  traversing Port Perry and Lake Scugog along the way. [Note: Oshawa means Carrying Place.]
The Toronto and the Quinte Carrying Place routes served a similar function. 

CLOCA (Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority) compiled a local watershed historical document in 2009 called:

BLACK/HARMONY/FAREWELL CREEK WATERSHED EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT CHAPTER 2 - HUMAN HERITAGE
Note Meeting Location for 5 Oct, 2 Nov and 7 Dec- Kingsview United Church - 505 Adelaide Ave. East - SW corner of Adelaide and Wilson - Oshawa - directions...

"Just Starting Genealogy?" Workshop series cancelled.

Sadly we have cancelled our fall "Just Starting Genealogy?" workshop series due to very low enrolment.  We  hope to offer it again during the spring of 2011, possibly afternoons.  
Continue to visit our website (durham.ogs.on.ca) for further details about our meetings and other services. Our office is open each month on the 2nd Tuesday evening, 7-10 p.m. and the third Saturday (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) for research and questions.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Are You Looking for Your French Ancestors?

Most researchers look in the conventional locations such as, Ancestry, Ontario Archives, familysearch.org(LDS),  or Library and Archives Canada and so on.  Here is another excellent Ontario resource for information about your French ancestors - SFOHG! - Société Franco-Ontariennes d'Histoires et de Généalogie.  The Société has currently NINE resource centres located throughout the province.  
I was in the Windsor area at the  South West SFOHG Research Centre in Puce where I was continuing my research of my ancestors who settled along  Lake Erie and the Detroit River (both US and Canadian sides). The volunteers (bilingual) are very welcoming and eager to assist you in your research.  They have a wealth of resources on site and access to paper, microfilm and digital databases not available online.  
Explore their web site for yourself to see all that they have, when they are open and how they can assist you.
The closest SFOHG Research Centre to Durham Region is North York Branch of the Toronto Public Library.  Email or call the SFOHG to arrange your visit when volunteers are available to help.
Annual memberships are available.
English Link http://sfohg.com/en/node/75

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Do You Have An Ancestor Buried in Vancouver

Thomas Grant writes to say that he can take headstone photographs as a free (volunteer) service to members of the Ontario Genealogical Society. He will photograph headstones of family members buried or memorialized at Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The burial location must be given. Digital images of all sides and inscriptions in high resolution will be made.  You can send him an email at to ask about this service. He is a member of the SGS, the BCGS, and the Grant Clan Society of Canada. He is online at www.grantgenealogy.ca and www.bitzfamily.ca

Thursday, October 7, 2010

British Home Child Descendants’ Reunion & Home Child Memorial Quilt Display

Brant County Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will be holding an open house at Smokey Hollow Estates, 114-118 Powerline Road, Brantford, Ontario, on Saturday October 23rd from 10 - 8 and Sunday October 24th from 1-8 to celebrate Canada’s year of the British Home Child. Everyone welcome.
Read Brochure.   Map: http://www.smokeyhollowestates.ca/contact/index.html  Further information: phone Brant OGS at 519.753.4140 or email brantogs@bellnet.ca

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Ivy Sucee - Life and Times of Dr. Barnardo


More chairs, please!!
Peterborough's Ivy Sucee, the only Honorary Barnardo Girl in Canada, presented to a full house at our October 5 General Meeting. Her topic, "The Life and Times of Dr. Barnardo" touched the hearts of many in the audience, regardless of their family connections to Home Children. Dickensonian conditions still prevailed in England at the time Dr. Barnardo studied medicine there. His motto - No Destitute Child Refused - improved the quality of life for many of the 30 000 Barnardo children brought to Canada. However, for a number of girls and boys, and unbeknownst to Barnardo, treatment in some of the placement homes could be cruel. Barnardo's organization is the forerunner of, and model for, today's Chidrens' Aid Society.
Ivy Sucee - Contact - carlynshe@sympatico.ca & Website

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Digitization Days - This Week!

Sarah Ferenz, Archives Digitization Technician, Whitby Public Library sent this message to the Branch. 
I just wanted to let you know that the Whitby Archives is hosting a scanning day this Thursday from 1-8 and Saturday from 9-4. The point of Digitization Days is for Whitby residents to bring in Whitby-related historical photographs and I will scan them and add them to our Our Ontario website. The photographs can be any subject, date, type (colour, b/w, negatives, prints, etc.). 
There will be a story in This Week, Wednesday or Friday.
Sarah

Friday, September 24, 2010

Our Next OGS Durham Region Branch Meeting is at 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, October 5th

Life and Times of Dr. Barnardo
Our presenter this month is Ivy Sucee, the daughter of a Barnardo Home Child and the founder and president of the Hazelbrae Barnardo Home Memorial Group.  She is the only honorary Barnardo Girl in Canada - a title given to her by the Barnardo Society in England a few years ago. 
Ivy will discuss her own dramatic personal research, and also the life and times of Dr. Barnardo.  She is very passionate about the stories the thousands of Home Children who came to Canada.
Note our meeting location for 5 Oct, 2 Nov, and 7 Dec.
Kingsview United Church, 505 Adelaide Ave. East, 
Oshawa
(
SW corner of Adelaide and Wilson) 
Directions...

Long Form Census Survey Back in the News

Is this an issue you are concerned about and want to read more?  Go to the Provincial OGS Blog to learn about a possible new private members Bill to revive the long form and make it compulsory again.   At the same time while you are there, browse OGS's Blog.  Another place besides Durham Region Branch Blog for current genealogy news.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Links for Researching Your Dutch Ancestors

Here are the two links Stephe Wood demonstrated at the September Durham OGS Branch meeting . . . .


Genlias - Research your Dutch genealogy


http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#start




and here are two more  . . . 


http://www.archiefnet.nl/index.asp?taal=en


http://www.cyndislist.com/nether.htm


Enjoy your Dutch research.









Knowledge Ontario matters . . .

Knowledge Ontario (http://www.knowledgeontario.ca/) is an umbrella structure which makes many information databases available to Ontarians, young and old, students or researchers,  employed or unemployed.

There are a  a large list of data bases, which KO supports, makes Ontario a richer learning environment within which to grow, learn, research and work.

When you go to the above link, besides experiencing KO's many services, you have the opportunity to comment on Knowledge Ontario's value and the need to for it to continue.  (bottom left)


Below you can explore several of the online services available.



Some of the beneficiaries are:
Some of the digital solutions delivered are:  

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Norfolklore XXXIV


Attention Family Historians! NORFOLKLORE XXXIV, Canada's oldest and original genealogy fair will take place again in Simcoe on Saturday September 25th between 10am and 4pm at the Simcoe Seniors Centre and the Eva Brook Donly Museum & Archives.

Organized by the Norfolk Historical Society, NORFOLKLORE –the Grand Daddy of all Genealogy Fairs-- is celebrating 34 years of sharing resources and information with the family historian.

Some 20 exhibitors from around Ontario will participate this year, including Ontario Genealogical Society branches from Kent, Oxford, Elgin, Haldimand, Hamilton and Niagara. United Empire Loyalists, book publishers and authors will also have booths. There will be demonstrations and displays, rare and out-of-print books for sale, and new resources for the professional and amateur family historian.

Admission for this One Day Event is only $5 per person and that includes entry to both the Genealogy Fair and to the extensive archival holdings of the Eva Brook Donly Museum & Archives -- that's half price off the regular research fee!

The Simcoe Seniors Centre is located at 89 Pond Street in downtown Simcoe, just two blocks from the Museum which is found at 109 Norfolk St. S. For more information visit www.norfolklore.com or call 519-426-1583.

Have you tried the OGS Blog?

  • If you are reading this you are on our Durham OGS Branch Blog and are an active blogger.
  • Have you tried the the Provincial OGS Blog?  It is well worth the visit.  If you wish you can set up an email or RSS feed subscription.
  • Here are the a list of the various message categories:
    • At the Library
    • Conference 2011
    • Genealogy Grab Bag
    • General Posts
    • Interview With a Volunteer
    • Len's Expert Advice
    • OGS Newsflash
    • OGS projects
    • OGS website
    • Drop in today at . . .
    • http://www.ogs.on.ca/ogsblog/

THE WOMEN IN OUR PAST

Ontario Genealogical Society, Toronto Branch and the Canadiana Department of North York Central Library present
THE WOMEN IN OUR PAST: 
Strategies and Resources for Researching Female Ancestors.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
North York Central Library Auditorium

Gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances that governed the lives of our female ancestors. Enjoy an exciting day of learning at this workshop where we will explore new and varied approaches to researching those often elusive women in our families.
For details: http://www.torontofamilyhistory.org/women.html

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Next OGS Durham Region Branch Meeting is at 7:30 p.m.,on Tuesday, September 7

What's On at the PO!
 
Fraser Dunford 
Fraser Dunford, OGS Executive Director 
What is available to members at the OGS Provincial Office? The Provincial Office has been incubating a number of ideas for new services to members. 
Come on out to see what is new for YOU!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Short Topic
Steve Wood has learned strategies Researching Original Dutch Records online. He will demonstrate and share these.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
NB All remaining meetings in 2010 will be held at: 
Kingsview United Church 
505 Adelaide Ave. East (SW corner of Adelaide and Wilson)
Oshawa - directions...

Monday, August 30, 2010

Special Lecture on Scottish Genealogy

 Dr. Bruce Durie, University of Strathclyde

The Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will present a special two-part lecture on Scottish Genealogy on Saturday, 11 September 2010.

Dr. Bruce Durie, noted author and course director of genealogical studies at the University of Strathclyde , will speak on "Inheritance and Law". He will deal with Testaments (including "Wills"), Retours, Sasines, Charters and the other "hidden gems" of Scottish genealogy, and will address basic issues in Palaeography and Latin. He will also suggest relevant resources (such as hard-to-find books on CD).

This lecture will be held at the Burgundy Room, North York Memorial Community Hall, 5110 Yonge Street , Toronto (access from the North York Centre subway station).

For program details, admission cost and information on how to reserve a spot, see www.torontofamilyhistory.org/Durie.html.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

NORFOLKLORE XXXIV

You are invited to attend the Grand-Daddy of all genealogy book fairs – NORFOLKLORE XXXIV taking place on Saturday September 25, 2010 between10am to 4pm. Books, CDs and other resources for the avid genealogist. Simcoe Seniors Centre, 89 Pond Street and Eva Brook Donly Museum & Archives, 109 Norfolk St. S. in downtown Simcoe. Single General Admission for both venues is only $5 (a $5 savings off the regular research admission to the Museum). Call 519-426-1583 or visit www.norfolklore.com for more info.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Memory Quilt for Home Children Display

Please note:
The Stratford Perth Museum, Stratford ON will be closed Thursday July 1st.
The dates to view the Memory Quilt and Home Children Display are:
June 27 - June 30 and July 2 - July 10.

From the Perth County Branch OGS.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Genealogy Microfilms/fiches at Whitby Pubic Library

So many times we are asked about the types of genealogical microfilms available for research at the Whitby Public Library.  It is a good question deserving of an answer.   Topics vary from 'older local and Toronto newspapers' to Ontario County and Canadian Census information.'  You may not have been aware of the presence of such data.  It is tucked in between the Whitby Archives and the Computer Training Lab at the east end of the second floor.  On the east wall of this area are several microfilm readers and opposite to them are several cabinets of microfilms.  To help you we have provdied a list for download as a PDF.  Happy hunting.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

SIG Meets - Writing Our Family Histories

Members of this new SIG will hold their second meeting on Wednesday, June 2 at the Durham Region Branch Office at 7:00 p.m.
 
Any branch members interested in writing their family histories or stories are welcome to attend.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Just Starting Genealogy?

The final presentation of the three part series is on Thursday June 10th,  1:00-3:30 p.m..

Vital Statistics: Births, Marriages, Deaths
This workshop’s content is more focussed and will go into greater detail.  Selected topics: sources; search techniques; documenting and much more.

View the latest, detailed information and a map visit the Branch website: www.durham.ogs.on.ca

The dates for the fall series will be announced later this spring.  
REGISTRATION FORM  [ down loadable pdf ]

Durham Region OGS Meeting: Seeking Your German Ancestors

NOTE  Meeting Location for June 1st
Kingsview United Church - 505 Adelaide Ave. East - SW corner of Adelaide and Wilson - Oshawa -
Directions...

austro-hungarian-maps
7:30 p.m.  Tuesday,  June 1
Seeking German Ancestors
Speaker: Eileen Wilson

Eileen will discuss genealogical research in Germany and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, focusing on the geographical changes in those areas  of Europe that make research more difficult. 
In 1867, the Austrian House of Hapsburg agreed with the Kingdom of Hungary to jointly rule their respective territories. This Dual Monarchy lasted for 51 years.  Research difficulties arose from the extensive national boundary changes after World War One.

URGENT:  We need new volunteers to serve refreshments. durham@ogs.on.ca

1901 Irish census coming June 3

1901 Irish census coming June 3
The National Archives of Ireland has announced that:
1901 Census material, with all data transcribed, will be launched before on 3 June 2010. The data for every county will be launched all at once rather than in tranches as with 1911.
As with the 1911 Irish census-- it will be free at http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ .
Thank you Linda Reid, Toronto Branch

Early Records of the French in North America: Archives de France, LAC, & BAnQ

Archives Canada-France
Michael J Leclerc had an interesting research recommendation in the New England Historic Genealogical Society eNews this week for those searching their French-Canadian roots.  “The Archives de France, in cooperation with Library and Archives Canada (LAC) and the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) has put together a valuable website for those researching their French-Canadian roots. Archives Canada-France makes available images of almost 40,000 documents pertaining to the history of the French in America.  Besides the LAC and BAnQ, documents come from several branches of the Archives de France - the main archives in Paris, the departmental archives of Charente-Maritime, Gironde, Pyrénées-Atlantique, and the Archives nationales d’outre-mer.  Among these records are the records of ministerial departments, records of the Admiralty, the Sovereign Council of Québec, notarial records from France, private papers, and more. You can see an alphabetical list of all of the collections online, or look at one grouped by subject…  You can print the image, or download a PDF or ZIP file to your computer.”  To search the database, go to http://bd.archivescanadafrance.org/acf/home.shtm?l=en .

Thank you to the  Toronto FHC Bulletin 18/2010, Week of May 6, 2010, for this information.
The Editor is Helen Billing
If you wish to subscribe to this very informative,  free, weekly e-resource please email your request to  toronto_fhc@bellnet.ca

Friday, May 7, 2010

OGS Now has a Members Only Message Board


May 3, 2010
OGS Message Board 
The OGS website now has a Message Board, where Members can discuss items of interest about the Society or genealogy in general. The Message Board currently has two threads:
  • Maximizing the Value of Old Newsletters
  • Virtual Community and Family History Research
You are welcome to read and to comment on these threads - or to start a new thread. Sign In to the Members Only Section, then click on "Message Board" on the left menu.

Update About Print on Demand Publishing

At our Branch meeting on May 4th,  Print on Demand (POD) was discussed.  Here are some follow up details from our presenter.
She mentioned www.Lulu.com and also Blurb.com. There are so many companies out there offering this service.  When you Google POD publishing you will see.  She recommends that individuals should explore the many options to see what works best for them and their project. When beginning a project, try to review what might be appropriate for you. 



Thursday, April 29, 2010

Durham Region Branch OGS Meeting - Tuesday, May 4 (7:30 p.m.)

Speaker: Sharon Murphy 
Our Family History - Organized and in Print

Sharon is the founder of TIMELINES Genealogical Research.  She is a professional genealogical researcher with 28 years experience and the author of two books -- Researching Canadian Vital Statistic Records and Researching Canadian Land Records.  She has also designed curricula and serves as an instructor and is also the Head of the Canadian Department for the National Institute of Genealogical Studies Online Courses, University of Toronto.  As well, she has been an occasional guest lecturer at the University of Toronto, giving on-site instruction and tours of the Archives of Ontario, Toronto Reference Library and North York Public Library.  The Library Archives Canada is also on this list of tours.

One of her recent projects, closely related to the topic at our meeting, is the part she played in the preparation of former Cobourg Mayor Angus Read's new book "Don't Tell Me It Can't Be Done".


Change in Meeting Location for 6 April, 4 May and 1 June - Kingsview United Church 
- 505 Adelaide Ave. East - SW corner of Adelaide and Wilson - Oshawa 
- directions...http://www.durham.ogs.on.ca/home/kingsview-united.htm