Organizing Your DNA Matches

The May meeting for the Durham Region Branch's DNA Special Interest Group will take place on Wed. May 18th at 7:30 p.m. at the Durham Branch Office, 1000 Stevenson Rd. N., Oshawa (in the NavCanada building)
see Map Here

We will be discussing how to organize our DNA matches and how to contact them.

Heritage Plaques for 2 Pioneer Cemeteries in Columbus

The City of Oshawa and Heritage Oshawa will be unveiling 2 more pioneer cemeteries' heritage plaques. This will take place on Tuesday, May 17th in Columbus, just north of Oshawa.

At 11 a.m. the Bible Christian Cemetery at 46 Columbus Rd. W. (just ½ block west of Simcoe St.) will be commemorated.

At 10 a.m. the Methodist Cemetery at 65 Columbus Rd. E. (about 1 block east of Simcoe St.) will have it's heritage plaque unveiled.

Sign Up for OGS Conference 2016 by May 15th!

If you’re already registered for Conference, or if you sign up by May 15, you’ll be eligible to win a deluxe genealogy giveaway courtesy of our very generous sponsors. We can’t reveal the details just yet, but thinkAncestry, MyHeritage, Global Genealogy and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. And that’s just a start.

Don’t delay, make the commitment and register onlinetoday.

Census Reminder!

CENSUS REMINDER
You have only three days left to complete this year’s Census.  Its due on May 10^th.  Remember to check the “Opt in” box to allow your descendants access to this important genealogical information source.  And ask your relatives, friends and neighbours to do the same!

Kudos to Oshawa & Heritage Oshawa!

 Pioneer Memorial Garden Cemetery recognized for reflecting the early history of Oshawa 

OSHAWA – Members of the media are invited to join Oshawa City Council and Heritage Oshawa to a plaque unveiling at the Pioneer Memorial Garden Cemetery, located at 185 - 201 Bond Street West, in recognition of its cultural heritage significance. The Pioneer Memorial Garden Cemetery reflects the early history of the City of Oshawa and holds the memorials of some of Oshawa’s earliest pioneer families. 

Date and Time: 

May 11, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. 

Location: 

185 – 201 Bond Street West (south side of Bond Street West, across from Arena Street). On-street parking is available on Arena Street (see map). 

There will also be 2 cemeteries in Columbus receiving their heritage designations next week - details still to be announced.

Please come out to this plaque unveiling and show our support of the heritage efforts being made by local government.

Family Tree DNA Sale for Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! Family Tree DNA is excited to begin their 3-day Mother's Day Sale! "In honor of all of the Mothers around the world, we want to show our appreciation by celebrating this holiday with a special promotion on our Family Finder + mtFull Sequence (mtDNA) bundle – two genealogy DNA tests that focus on mom – for only $228! Our Mother's Day Sale will continue through Sunday, May 8, 2016 (11:59 PM U.S. Central). Sincerely, The Family Tree DNA Team"

Shop Sale Now

Ontario Volunteer Service Awards for Durham Region Branch

I was really pleased to be able to present 3 volunteer service pins and certificates to 3 members at our branch meeting last night. Joyce Lintner (10 years), John Alford (5 years) and Janis Carter (5 years) were all present and we were able to celebrate their achievements with them.

Joyce does a stellar job with our programming and advertising.



Keeping track of our membership and delivering our newsletter to our members keeps John busy.


Janis devotes her time to the Places of Worship project, lends a hand with the Cemeteries Committee and adds valuable input into the committee planning our Fall Workshop.



Last, but not least, Colleen McNamara (5 years) was unable to attend our meeting last night, but deserves recognition for the wonderful work she puts into publishing our newsletter.

Thank you to all our volunteers - we wouldn't have a successful branch without everything that you do for us!