Monday, December 7, 2015

Canadian Week in Review 07 December 2015


 


I have come across the following Canadian genealogy, history and heritage websites, social media, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too.

This Week in Canadian History

In 1824, construction began on the Welland Canal connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

There were four attempts at building the canal, one in 1829, one in 1845, one in 1887, and one in 1932.

A very good, short history of the canal, has been written at http://www.wellandcanal.com/hist.htm




In 1840, Henry Birks, founder of the Birks jewellery chain, was born in Montreal. His parents were from Yorkshire, England, and had emigrated to Canada in 1832.

He opened his small store in 1879, and in 1893, Birks went into partnership with his three sons (William, John and Gerald), and the name of the firm became Henry Birks and Sons. From there, he expanded across the county.

He died in 1928.

For more information, read about his life story in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Birks

In 1872, Lt.-Col. John McCrae, physician, poet, and author of the famous war poem "In Flanders Fields," was born in Guelph, Ontario.

Most people do not know that he had been in the Boer War, and had led the 1st Brigade of Artillery in 1904 after being promoted to Captain and then Major. He then volunteered in the First World War, and in the trenches near Ypres, Belgium, in the area traditionally called Flanders.

McCrae died Jan., 28, 1918 of pneumonia, and was buried at Wimereaux Cemetery in France.

To read about his life, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCrae

Social Media

(Video) '3rd hall of Parliament' opens to public in renovated Bank of Montreal building

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/bank-of-montreal-transformed-into-3rd-hall-of-parliament-1.3352061

After nearly eight years of renovations, Canada's so-called "third hall of Parliament" was opened to the public Friday — just in time for people to gather there and watch the speech from the throne.

(VIDEO) Ottawa an important 'cultural landscape' for native Canadians: researchers

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ottawa-an-important-cultural-landscape-for-native-canadians-researchers

New studies by two Ottawa researchers suggest the National Capital Region was an important “economic and spiritual centre” for native peoples for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers in the early 1600s.

(Photos) HANTS HISTORY: Dec. 3, 2015 edition

http://www.hantsjournal.ca/Opinion/Columnists/2015-12-03/article-4363227/HANTS-HISTORY%3A-Dec.-3,-2015-edition/1

Here's a look at what was making the news 25 and 50 years ago in the Hants Journal.

(Video) New museum exhibit celebrates Windsor's French-Canadian roots

http://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/new-museum-exhibit-celebrates-windsors-french-canadian-roots

From last names to streetscapes, Windsor is rooted in French.

Upcoming Canadian Events

Conferences

UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016

International Genealogy Conference UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016 will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the The Beach Club Resort, Parksville, British Columbia of the Qualicum Beach Family History Society in British Columbia.

The featured speakers will be Colleen Fitzpatrick and Chris Paton, and registration is now open at http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-genealogy-conference-unlocking-the-past-2016-tickets-18765135024. It includes an early bird price.

The website is located at http://www.qbfhs.ca/

Genealogy on the Cutting Edge 2016

The Ontario Genealogical Society will be holding its annual conference from June 3rd to 5th at the Toronto’s International Plaza Hotel, Toronto.

Registration will open soon, and you can keep up-to-date with the latest news by following their website at http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference/, or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/171812826485725/



Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation 2017

The Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will host the 2017 annual conference, and they have a call out for presentations.

The conference will be held in Ottawa on June 16-18, 2017 at Algonquin College. The theme of the conference is Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation. As 2017 will be the 150th anniversary of the birth of Canada, Ottawa Branch OGS will host the annual OGS conference and give the Conference a national flair, bringing together genealogists and family historians from all over Canada. We are looking for speakers and talks of interest to genealogists from all provinces.

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS IS FEBRUARY 15, 2016

To submit proposals or ask questions, please contact the Conference 2017 Program Committee at: program.conference2017@ogs.on.ca. For more information about OGS or Ottawa Branch respectively, please visit: www.ogs.on.ca or www.ogsottawa.on.ca.

Great Canadian Summit

The summit will be held in Brampton, Ontario from October 21 to the 23, 2016 at the Courtyard Marriott.

It will be three days of genealogy by speakers such as CHRISTINE WOODCOCK | Director, Genealogy Tours of Scotland, RUTH BLAIR, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist, KATHRYN LAKE HOGAN, UE, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist at Looking 4 Ancestors, and MIKE QUACKENBUSH | Professional Genealogist - Research Coach, to name a few.

Registration has opened at http://www.cangensummit.ca/product/full-weekend-registration/

Meetings

Oxford County Genealogical Society

The Oxford County Genealogical Society will be holding their annual general meeting on January 11th, 2016 where they will hold Election for Chair and Vice-Chair.

The speaker will be Gloria Muir, and her topic will be My Trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.

The meeting is held at Woodstock Public Library, 445 Hunter Street, Woodstock, Ontario at 6:45 p.m.

The website for the Oxford County Genealogical Society is at http://www.oxford.ogs.on.ca/

Heritage Food Open House at GANS

From 2-4 pm on Sunday, December 13, the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia (GANS) will be hosting a Christmas open house for the monthly meeting, where the concept of Heritage Food will be highlighted.

Food is always an important part of any family celebration but we don’t often think about what the recipes and food traditions handed down in our families tell us about our ancestors. There will be heritage recipes on display, sent in from our members, and hopefully some samples and stories.

The meeting will be held at GANS headquarters at 33 Ochterloney Street, Suite 100, Dartmouth.

The website is at http://www.novascotiaancestors.ca/

Alberta Family History Society

The Alberta Family History Society will hold their meeting on December the 14th from 7 to 9 p.m. at River Park Church, 3818 - 14A Street SW, Calgary, Alberta at which there will be a panel of experts who will offer their opinion on Where Have My Relatives Gone?

They aree also asking members (and any visitors who would like to participate) to bring a tray of goodies for us all to share as this will be their last meeting before Christmas.

The website of the Alberta Family History Society is at http://www.afhs.ab.ca/

Newspaper Articles

Nova Scotia

ED COLEMAN HISTORY: Looking back at letters to show life in Kings County in 1863

http://www.kingscountynews.ca/Opinion/Columnists/2015-12-02/article-4362949/ED-COLEMAN-HISTORY%3A-Looking-back-at-letters-to-show-life-in-Kings-County-in-1863/1

What did your great-grandparent do when they wanted to post a letter, say 150 or so years ago, or if someone wanted to correspond with them by mail?

Lighthouse near Lockeport at risk of collapsing, group says

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/gull-rock-lighthouse-1.3341874

A lighthouse perched on a rock off Nova Scotia's South Shore may not last the winter, community members say.

The Gull Rock lighthouse near Lockeport is crumbling with age, says the Protect Gull Rock Lighthouse group.

New Brunswick

Forgotten graveyards offer insight into black history

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/wheary-graveyard-black-history-1.3343299

Mary McCarthy wants people to know about the Wheary graveyard near Fredericton and other black graveyards in the area that are being forgotten by time and history.

Fredericton considers selling Wilmot Park heritage home.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/wilmot-park-residence-fredericton-1.3346603

The City of Fredericton may sell a heritage home that is located in Wilmot Park that had been used for decades as the residence for the park's on-site groundskeeper.

The home, which is located at the corner of Saunders Street and Odell Avenue, has been vacant since 2013 when the city stopped using an on-site caretaker.

Ontario

What do you know about residential schools? Take the quiz

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/12/05/what-do-you-know-about-residential-schools-take-the-quiz.html

Understanding one of the darkest chapters of Canadian history is crucial, but you may be surprised by some of these facts about residential schools and indigenous history.

Test your knowledge with information drawn from Facing History and Ourselves’ new resource guide.

JOY OF GENEALOGY: Signs you might be a genealogist

http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/6157794-joy-of-genealogy-signs-you-might-be-a-genealogist/

We’ve all heard them, the jokes that begin “You might be a redneck if …” We laugh, while at the same time, there’s that niggling feeling that a few have hit a bit too close to home.

Ex-PMs' archived papers include love letters, $500 — even a molar

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/library-archives-canada-politicians-papers-1.3346026

The day after a federal election, while many civil servants are focused on the future and the continuation or transition of the government, one group of public servants is busy sifting through the past.

Archivists from Library and Archives Canada begin the task of sorting, cataloguing and preserving the official papers of politicians whose terms have come to an end.

Saluting Louis Shickluna, Senglea’s master shipbuilder in Canada

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20151129/life-features/Saluting-Louis-Shickluna-Senglea-s-master-shipbuilder-in-Canada.593980

A Maltese traveller in Canada might be surprised to come across a plaque commemorating a Maltese man and finding out he played a significant part in this faraway city’s history and in Canada’s naval industry.

Manitoba

Province introduces new legislation ensuring students, teachers learn indigenous history, culture

http://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/province-introduces-new-legislation-ensuring-students-teachers-learn-indigenous-history-culture-1.2684044

Manitoba is introducing new legislation to ensure students and teachers learn about the history and culture of indigenous peoples, the legacy of residential schools and the significance of treaties.

The move to add indigenous history to Manitoba's curriculum follows the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report last summer.

Saskatchewan

A city councillor is calling for more diversity in street and park names.

http://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/a-city-councillor-is-calling-for-more-diversity-in-street-and-park-names

Veteran Saskatoon city councillor Tiffany Paulsen wants to see more city streets, parks and facilities named for women.

British Columbia

B.C. railroad stories told in new book Whistle Posts West

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/whistle-post-west-tells-bc-railroad-history-1.3342124

A train that sunk in a peat bog in Burnaby, tales of robberies (of money and coal) and silk trains that were of such high priority that all other traffic — including a train carrying King George IV on his 1939 Canadian tour — was pushed off the main line.

Yukon

Signs in McIntyre subdivision tell drivers 'Stop' in Southern Tutchone

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/souther-tutchone-street-signs-whitehorse-1.3352066

A Southern Tutchone word has recently been added to stop signs in the McIntyre subdivision of Whitehorse. The translation isn't exact, but the meaning comes through.

Canadian Stories this Week

1917 Halifax Explosion

Although I did not have relatives who lived in Halifax or Dartmouth at the time of the 1917 Halifax Explosion, I did lived in the north end of Halifax near the The Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower on Fort Needham, which overlooks the area devastated by the Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917.

The park commemorates those who were killed or suffered injury, and those who lost homes and family when the munitions ship, Mont Blanc, blew up in Halifax Harbour. It also honours the survivors, who rebuilt the cities of Halifax and Dartmouth in the years that followed.

The Nova Scotia Archives now have an online exposition of the “first-hand survivor accounts, observations by visitors in the days immediately afterward, photographs, and other miscellaneous material relating to the disaster of 6 December 1917. This is a continuing series, with new items added each year, leading up to the centenary on 6 December 2017”.

You can see the exposition at http://novascotia.ca/archives/explosion/personal.asp, and I came across a woman, Verna Jeffries, who lives in Gananoque, Ontario who talks about the explosion on http://www.ckwstv.com/2015/12/01/ckws-tv-news-one-of-the-last-survivors-of-halifax-explosion-speaks/. She was six months old at the time of the explosion, and lived to tell the tale.

On that day 2,000 people were killed by collapsed buildings, debris and fires, and 9,000 were injured.

Royal Alberta Museum

As one door closes, another one opens, and this time, it is the Royal Alberta Museum that is closing, with a new museum opening in 2017.

To make the closing of the old museum memorable, a 24-hour Closing Party was held this past weekend at the museum, as it prepares to move to its new building.

You can view http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/closingParty/

You can see what people want to know about the Museum on the Move at an FAQ at http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/new/faq.cfm

And while no closing party was held when the Canada Science and Technology Museum closed earlier this year, because of airborne mould as a result of a leaky roof and it, too, will be open in the fall 2017.

In the meantime, you can still visit virtually, and there is lots to see at http://cstmuseum.techno-science.ca/en/

Scottish Studies Genealogy Research Repository

News has reached us that the Scottish Studies Genealogy Research Repository at the University of Guelph is hoping to raise $5,000 by using CrowdSourcing. So far, they have raised $480.00.

They say that those who are “interested in the history of the Scottish Canadian community, be they academic historians, genealogists, research students, population scientists, journalists, heritage workers, writers, or any Canadian proud of their Scottish ancestry and heritage”.

It is also understood that the repository will also be used as a facility where people will be able to bequeath their family history which the Institute will digitize, house, preserve for future generations. What a perfect idea!

You can donate at http://uofg.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1955&pg=entry

And that was the week in Canadian news!

===========================================================================
Check the Canadian Week in Review (CWR) every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is 
 
It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada!
It has been published on a continuous basis every Monday since April 2012!
Copyright © 2015 Genealogy Canada. All rights reserved

Monday, November 30, 2015

Canadian Week in Review (CWR) 30 November 2015


I have come across the following Canadian genealogy, history and heritage websites, social media, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too.

This Week in Canadian History

In 1851, the first North American chapter of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) opened in Montreal.

It began as a Christian organization, to provide young males and females going to the cities with low-cost housing. The YMCA combined preaching in the streets and the distribution of religious tracts with a social ministry.

To read more about the YMCA, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YMCA

In 1885, Rocky Mountain Park was established at Banff, Alberta.

It was the first national park in Canada, and only the third in the world.

The park spans 6,641 square kilometres of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows, and rivers.

Today, it is known as Banff National Park.

To learn more, please go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banff_National_Park

Social Media

(Photos) HANTS HISTORY: Nov. 26, 2015 edition

http://www.hantsjournal.ca/Opinion/Columnists/2015-11-26/article-4355837/HANTS-HISTORY%3A-Nov.-26,-2015-edition/1

Here's a look at what was making the news 25 and 50 years ago in the Hants Journal.

(NEW) E-Virtual Website and Facebook group for the Waterloo Region Branch

Tomorrow, there will be a new E-Virtual Website and Facebook group for the Waterloo Region Branch

This site has many exciting features starting with a name index of over 450,000 names and a E-Store for publication purchases. We will have a research form in case you need some help and finally for those who would like to add Waterloo to your OGS membership ($4) you will have even more access to the new members only section of the site.

See what the new website will look like, go to www.waterloo.ogs.on.ca

Upcoming Canadian Events

Conferences
 
UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016

International Genealogy Conference UNLOCKING THE PAST 2016 will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the The Beach Club Resort, Parksville, British Columbia of the Qualicum Beach Family History Society in British Columbia.

The featured speakers will be Colleen Fitzpatrick and Chris Paton, and registration is now open at http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/international-genealogy-conference-unlocking-the-past-2016-tickets-18765135024. It includes an early bird price.

The website is located at http://www.qbfhs.ca/


Genealogy on the Cutting Edge 2016

The Ontario Genealogical Society will be holding its annual conference from June 3rd to 5th at the Toronto’s International Plaza Hotel, Toronto.

Registration will open soon, and you can keep up-to-date with the latest news by following their website at http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference/, or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/171812826485725/

Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation 2017

The Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society will host the 2017 annual conference, and they have a call out for presentations.

The conference will be held in Ottawa on June 16-18, 2017 at Algonquin College. The theme of the conference is Our Canada – Your Family: Building a Nation. As 2017 will be the 150th anniversary of the birth of Canada, Ottawa Branch OGS will host the annual OGS conference and give the Conference a national flair, bringing together genealogists and family historians from all over Canada. We are looking for speakers and talks of interest to genealogists from all provinces.

In keeping with this theme, they are invite proposals for presentations on: family history from every region and territory of Canada (e.g. Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies and British Columbia); migration to and from Canada and also within Canada and how this helped to not only build our families, but also Canada; pre- and post-1867 research in Upper Canada; religious associations; military connections; the latest updates on computer, social media and genealogy database technology; the ever growing use of DNA testing for genealogy; and skill-building for family historians (e.g. use of the genealogy proof standard, getting more out of online resources).

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS IS FEBRUARY 15, 2016

To submit proposals or ask questions, please contact the Conference 2017 Program Committee at: program.conference2017@ogs.on.ca. For more information about OGS or Ottawa Branch respectively, please visit: www.ogs.on.ca or www.ogsottawa.on.ca.

Great Canadian Summit

The summit will be held in Brampton, Ontario from October 21 to the 23, 2016 at the Courtyard Marriott.

It will be three days of genealogy by speakers such as HRISTINE WOODCOCK | Director, Genealogy Tours of Scotland, RUTH BLAIR, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist, KATHRYN LAKE HOGAN, UE, PLCGS | Professional Genealogist at Looking 4 Ancestors, and MIKE QUACKENBUSH | Professional Genealogist - Research Coach, to name, but, a few.

Registration has opened at http://www.cangensummit.ca/product/full-weekend-registration/

Meetings

London & Middlesex Genealogical Society

Saturday 05 Dec 2015 at 10 a.m, Dennis Mulligan explores several detailed finding aids forgotten in the Branch Library for many years, and one of them is An Exciting Discovery - Newspaper finding Aids for local pre-confederation Newspapers.

The meeting will he held at the Presentations are held at the Westmount Branch of the London Public Library, 3200 Wonderland Rd just south of Southdale Rd, London, Ontario, unless otherwise noted.  otherwise.

The website is at https://www.ogs.on.ca/londonmiddlesex/

Introduction to Genealogy (2 parts)
Tuesday, December 1 and 8
Genealogist Elizabeth Briggs will show you how to trace your family tree using family and public records. You’ll learn the types of genealogical resources, how to record your information, and be introduced to selected websites and online internet software. West End Library, 999 Sargent Ave. 6 – 8 pm. both nights.

City of Winnipeg Library Presentations. Registration required - phone 204-986-4677. No cost.

The website is at http://www.mbgenealogy.com/

Newspaper Articles

Nova Scotia

Alexander Keith's beer bottle may be seized from Halifax diver

If Jon Crouse wants ​to taste his 125-year-old ale, he'd better do it soon.

The Nova Scotia government hopes to analyze the beer bottle, which could be deemed a heritage object.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/hfx-diver-may-have-to-give-up-keiths-bottle-1.3340154

Preserving Nova Scotia’s proud military heritage

http://thechronicleherald.ca/more/thriving-50/1324405-preserving-nova-scotia%E2%80%99s-proud-military-heritage

Countless families through- out Nova Scotia are sheltering a treasure-trove of medals and other military memorabilia earned by generations of loved-ones who went off to fight for King and Country.

Worryingly, the chances of this precious history becoming scattered or lost entirely are increasing as the veterans and their descendants pass away.

Prince Edward Island

Cavendish Grove, former Rainbow Valley site, getting revamped

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/cavendish-grove-rainbow-valley-overhaul-1.3332425

They have now built a trail system and green space. Now they are looking for ways to improve the park.

A public meeting was held to discuss their plans Monday night in North Rustico.

P.E.I. author James W. Macnutt explores the history of Maritime courthouses in new book.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/Living/2015-11-23/article-4352713/P.E.I.-author-James-W.-Macnutt-explores-the-history-of-Maritime-courthouses-in-new-book/1

Every courthouse has a story.

And James W. Macnutt tells it in his new book, Building For Justice: The Historic Courthouses of the Maritimes.

Trinity United Church's stained glass windows focus of Sunday sermon

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/stained-glass-windows-attraction-1.3330100

On the 151st anniversary of Trinity United Church in Charlottetown last Sunday, the congregation was treated to the history of the building's stained glass windows.

Instead of hearing from the minister, retired heritage consultant Reg Porter spoke about the church's "paintings in glass."

Quebec

President Henry B. Eyring rededicates temple in Montreal

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642232/President-Henry-B-Eyring-rededicates-temple-in-Montreal.html

The newly renovated Montreal Quebec Temple stands as a tribute to the rich and diverse history of Montreal and the pioneering Latter-day Saints who built the Church in Quebec’s largest bilingual city.

Ontario

History column: Breaking sodbusters' hearts

http://www.thesudburystar.com/2015/11/22/history-column-breaking-sodbusters-hearts

During the 1840s and 1850s, 13 main colonization roads were built criss-crossing central and eastern Ontario to encourage settlement. That was helped by the flaccid economy in Britain, which was motivating people to migrate to the colonies.

Cobourg’s Carl Verge re-imagines his family history in novel 

http://www.northumberlandnews.com/whatson-story/6127862-cobourg-s-carl-verge-re-imagines-his-family-history-in-novel/

With a passion for genealogy, Cobourg resident Carl Verge looked for an interesting way to bring his family history to life.

Manitoba

Exterior restoration on Dome Building almost complete

http://www.brandonsun.com/local/Exterior-restoration-on-Dome-Building-almost-complete-357120411.html?thx=y

A major fundraising campaign to restore the historic Dome Building on the Keystone Centre grounds has reached the halfway point.

Canadian human right's museum commemorates centennial of the Armenian Genocide

http://www.armradio.am/en/2015/11/27/canadian-human-rights-museum-commemorates-centennial-of-the-armenian-genocide/

A delegation comprising members of the Armenian National Committee of Canada, were joined by members and representatives of the local Winnipeg Armenian community at an event organized by the Canadian Human Right’s Museum dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. To commemorate the anniversary, the museum had organized a special evening, which took place on Wednesday, November 25, with renowned Canadian-Armenian director Atom Egoyan and actress Arsinée Khandjian.

Manitoba, a province ‘Built On Agriculture

http://www.manitobacooperator.ca/crops/manitoba-a-province-built-on-agriculture/

The Selkirk settlers arrived in Manitoba 200 years ago only to be told that it wasn’t possible to farm in Western Canada due to the harsh conditions on the land. We all know how that turned out, and because of it, there are countless stories about agriculture in Manitoba today.

Saskatchewan

Saskatoon aims to increase the number of streets with indigenous names

http://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/saskatoon-aims-to-increase-the-number-of-streets-with-indigenous-names

Priscilla Settee says a plan by the city to increase the number of Saskatoon streets and public spaces with indigenous names is a step in the right direction.

Alberta

Edmonton soldiers gather bricks to save piece of city's history

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-soldiers-gather-bricks-to-save-piece-of-city-s-history-1.3341986

A piece of the city's past was rescued Saturday by a group of citizen soldiers who want to help preserve Edmonton's history.

Several reserve members from the South Alberta Light Horse regiment stacked up and hauled away bricks from the Leamington Mansions, which was destroyed by fire earlier.

British Columbia

Barry Lane illustrates history of the Canadian Pacific rail line

http://www.thesudburystar.com/2015/11/22/history-column-breaking-sodbusters-hearts

Knifing through southeast British Columbia’s Selkirk Mountains, the 330-metre long and 50-metre high bridge was the largest wooden structure in the world upon completion in 1885, and is just one of the historic topics covered in Lane’s illustrative history book Canadian Pacific: The Golden Age of Travel.

Canadian Stories this week

Family History Lesson Plans

Recently, the Ontario Genealogical Society released the Family History Lesson Plans, to be used by Ontario elementary and secondary school educators as educational resources for their classrooms which integrate family history into the Ontario Provincial Curriculum.

With the generous support provided from the Archives of Ontario, each lesson plan includes primary resources for students to work with and learn.

If you want to know more about the lesson plans, go to https://www.ogs.on.ca/leedsandgrenville/index.php/2015/10/20/family-history-lesson-plans-for-the-ontario-provincial-curriculum/

And in the same them as the Ontario Genealogical Society, there now is a new portable website that will offer a rich pedagogical resource bank for students everywhere across Canada, aimed at teaching the role played by Champlain in the early history of Canada.

French and English sector schools, and teachers at the elementary and secondary levels will have access to this new tool that will enable them to find a vast amount of pertinent pedagogical information concerning Champlain: books, magazines, audio clips, short videos, information programs, and more.

The data bank, part of which is downloadable, is meant to be used as a key pedagogical tool used to support history, geography, and French courses as much as for any school that would like to organize activities related to this historical figure.

If you want to know more, go to http://www.champlain1615.ca/en/resources/

Digital Publications: New Partnership Between Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec and Library and Archives Canada

In a recent press release, the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) and Library and Archives Canada (LAC) are pleased to announce a new agreement concerning digital publications from Quebec publishing companies.

As a result of the partnership, publishers who deposit their publications in the ANEL-De Marque Digital Book Repository will be able to authorize BAnQ to transmit them to LAC. Up to 10,000 digital publications could be added to Canada’s documentary heritage through this initiative in the next two years.

I wonder if there will be agreements signed with other archival instutiomns in the country?

To read more about the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, go to http://www.banq.qc.ca/a_propos_banq/index.html

And that was the week in Canadian news!

===========================================================================
Check the Canadian Week in Review (CWR) every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is 
It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada!
It has been published on a continuous basis every Monday since April 2012!
Copyright © 2015 Genealogy Canada. All rights reserved

Monday, November 23, 2015

Canadian Week in Review (CWR) 23 November 2015


 
I have come across the following Canadian genealogy, history and heritage websites, social media, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too.

This Week in Canadian History

In 1883, the first operation of Standard Time in North America began at midnight in eastern Nova Scotia. Scottish-born Sir Sandford Fleming played a major role in introducing the concept around the world.

Fleming, who was also Canada's foremost railway surveyor and construction engineer of the 19th century, first proposed the international standard time measurement at a Toronto conference in 1879.

To read more about Sir Sandford Fleming, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandford_Fleming


On 23 November 1936, The Globe merged with The Mail and Empire itself formed through the 1895 merger of two conservative newspapers, The Toronto Mail and Toronto Empire, and it became The Globe and Mail.

In the 1850s it became known as 'Canada's national newspaper', and in 2000, the website began covering breaking news with its own content and journalists in addition to the content of the print newspaper.

To read morte about the Globe and Mail, go to  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Globe_and_Mail#1936_formation_and_expansion

Social Media 

(WEBSITE) Saskatchewan World War 1 Casualties

http://www.saskgenealogy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/War-Casual-Prepub-Order.pdf

It has been created to supplement the physical War Memorial located on the grounds of the Saskatchewan Legislature in Regina, Saskatchewan.

(WEBSITE) Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria

http://www.oldcem.bc.ca/

The Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria is dedicated to researching, preserving and encouraging the appreciation of Victoria's heritage cemeteries.

(NEW WEBSITE) Leeds and Granville Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society

https://www.ogs.on.ca/leedsandgrenville/
Beside having a new website, there is news about the The Brockville Rifles which will be celebrating their 150th Anniversary in 2016.

(PHOTOS) HANTS HISTORY — Nov. 19, 2015 edition

http://www.hantsjournal.ca/Opinion/Columnists/2015-11-17/article-4346516/HANTS-HISTORY-%26mdash%3B-Nov.-19,-2015-edition/1

Here's a look at what was making the news 25 and 50 years ago in the Hants Journal.

(PHOTOS) Exhibit photographs the remains of First Nations churches
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kamloops/exhibit-photographs-the-remains-of-first-nations-churches-1.3320154

A new photography exhibit is hoping to capture some of the stories of First Nations churches in British Columbia. Brian Kipp has been taking photos of what's left of some of the oldest churches in the province.

(DRONE) Nova Scotia lighthouses the subject of drone passion project

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/ns-lighthouses-drones-1.3329563

They are sweeping views of the Nova Scotia's coastlines that are usually only available to the birds.

But a Waverley man is capturing these sights of the province's lighthouses using a drone that showcase the landmarks in a way that few people have seen before.

Upcoming Events

Ottawa Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society

Welcome to Genealogy: Back To Basics! Genealogy B2B is a short lecture on a genealogical topic, followed by a Question and Answer session with Ottawa Branch members. If you are new to family history research or need a refresher, come out and join us!

This month’s topic is The World of Webinars with Heather Oakley, and it will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 from 10:30 am till 12:00 pm at City of Ottawa Archives, 100 Tallwood Drive (Room 115), Ottawa, Ontario.

Coffee and tea will be available throughout the morning.

Bruce & Grey Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society

A meeting will be held Tuesday, November 24, 2015, 7:30 p.m. at the L.D.S. Family History Centre, 490 2nd Ave. S.E. Owen Sound, and the speaker will be Bonita Johnson-de-Matteis, and she will talk about African-Canadian Black Veteran's.

Call 519-534-1875 for further information, or go the website at https://www.ogs.on.ca/bruce_grey/

Newspaper Articles

Nova Scotia

Boston Christmas tree a thank-you gift from Nova Scotia for disaster aid in 1917

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/11/boston_christmas_tree_a_thank-.html

The 49-foot Christmas tree that will be installed on Boston Common Friday is a cheery holiday tradition in the city.

But the iconic tree, delivered for free each year from Nova Scotia, has roots in one of the darkest days in Canadian history.

Ontario

ROOTS AND REMEMBRANCE: Many of Toronto’s synagogues have been torn down including Holy Blossom, which was at Richmond and Yonge

http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/6126502-roots-and-remembrance-many-of-toronto-s-synagogues-have-been-torn-down-including-holy-blossom-whic/

When InsideToronto invited me to blog on genealogy for Toronto Time Capsule, I requested Toronto heritage and history, including architecture, also be part of the mix.

If you want to read more about Jewish culture in Toronto, you can go to his website at http://www.billgladstone.ca/

Special watches commemorate 150th anniversary of Lorne Scots

http://www.theifp.ca/community-story/6126994-special-watches-commemorate-150th-anniversary-of-lorne-scots/

Robin Devine makes watches for veterans.

The retired owner of Checker Cabs has been making watches for the Canadian Military for the past 20 years. She has made pieces for the Black Watch in Scotland and the Royal Canadian Navy.

NCC board approves designs for science and tech museum, Holocaust memorial

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ncc-board-approves-designs-for-museum-of-science-and-technology-holocaust-monument

A reborn museum and a new Ottawa landmark received design approval Wednesday from the National Capital Commission’s board of directors.

The board approved the proposed design of the remodelled Canada Science and Technology Museum and the revised design of the National Holocaust Monument. Both are scheduled to open in 2017.

Government to erect plaques across Ottawa to honour Fathers of Confederation

http://www.cfra.com/NationalCP/Article.aspx?id=486873

The federal department overseeing Canada 150 celebrations is embarking on a capital-wide project to place commemorative plaques at locations where 15 Fathers of Confederation made a home during their time in Parliament.

Communism memorial opponent welcomes Liberal rethink

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/communism-memorial-opponent-welcomes-liberal-rethink-185215654.html

Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly said last week that she wants more consultations before making a decision on the Memorial to the Victims of Communism on Parliament Hill, and that was music to Ottawa architect Barry Padolsky’s ears.

The monument, whose main proponent is the non-profit group Tribute to Liberty, was a lightning rod for criticism under the last government since the first public support for the project was announced in 2012.

Vaughan church grieves for bones unearthed to build pool

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/11/18/vaughan-church-grieves-for-bones-unearthed-to-build-pool.html

Cathy Pearson never thought her words would come true.

The longtime parishioner at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Thornhill sent an odd letter to the City of Vaughan over the summer. Protesting plans by the Thornhill Golf and Country Club to construct an in-ground pool and cabana just a few feet away from Holy Trinity Cemetery, one of the oldest in the city, she ended her letter with a unique wish: for the project to unearth human remains.

Alberta

History Harvest event upcoming at museum

http://www.highrivertimes.com/2015/11/17/history-harvest-event-upcoming-at-museum

Described as a celebration of High River’s history, the stories and cherished memories behind keepsakes, heirlooms and other objects will be featured during the upcoming History Harvest event.

The event, to be held Nov. 21 at the Museum of the Highwood, is part of a larger oral history project titled Placing Memory in High River’s Built Environment that is already underway in our community.

British Columbia

Vancouver: A Distant Mirror offers glimpses into city's history

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-history-vancouver-archive-1.3319002

Investigating placenames can be a way of connecting with an unknown - or untold – history.

University of Northern B.C.'s writer in residence stated that conversation last Thursday as part of the Anthropology in our Backyards public lecture series that looks at names in Prince George.

Canadian news stories this week

Moore and Sombra Townships in Lambton Country, Ontario 

To continue on from last week's Letter from Veterans of the First World War, a 32-page index is a collection of names of men from the former Moore and Sombra Townships in Lambton Country, Ontario who were part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. The list includes men who were born in this community or who may have moved here after the First World War.

Go to http://www.twp.stclair.on.ca/world_war_i_men_of_st_clair_township.pdf

Louis Riel Day

For the Métis, November 16 was a national public commemoration of Riel's life and struggles with the government of the day.

For many years, Riel fought for tolerance, and equal share of social justice from the Canadian government, and even fought for Métis nationalism and political independence.

There is a database of materials held by the University of Saskatchewan Libraries and the University Archives under the The Northwest Resistance.

You can go to http://library.usask.ca/northwest/, and the Table of Contents to the database contains The Adam Shortt Library of Canadiana, Canadiana Pamphlet Collection, Morton Manuscript Collection, and the Jean E. Murray Fonds (University Archives MG 61).

For more information, you can go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Riel

1921 census for Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia 

Thanks to Beverley Sumpter, Alice Frauzel, Bill Bruhm, John deRoche, Pat Smith, Wayne Cross, and me (Dwayne Meisner), the 1921 census for Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia is now fully transcribed and available to view at the link below. As usual, if you are not already a member of my site, you will have to complete a free registration form.

Go to http://www.dwaynemeisner.com/census/novascotia/lunenburg1921/index.php

Library and Archives Canada survey

How many of you have taken the survey that the LAC has on the Nanos Research Site at
http://go.nanosresearch.com/s/2015697QX3694/?l=en?

It is important that you do take the survey, so the the LAC can see where they can make improvements within the next three years.

They truly do want to provide a good service to the public, and youi can have a say in how this is done.

The survey will take approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete, and your responses are confidential and protected.

And that was the week in Canadian news!

===========================================================================
Check the Canadian Week in Review (CWR) every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is 
It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada!
It has been published on a continuous basis every Monday since April 2012!
Copyright © 2015 Genealogy Canada. All rights reserved

Monday, November 16, 2015

Canadian Week in Review 16 November 2015


I have come across the following Canadian genealogy, history and heritage websites, social media, and newspaper articles this past week that were of interest to me, and I thought you might be interested in them, too.

This Week in Canadian History

On November 14, 1891, and died in 1941. Frederick Banting, medical scientist, doctor and Nobel Laureate, was born in Alliston, Simcoe County, Ontario and studied medicine at the University of Toronto. He graduated in 1916, and then reported for military duty in December, the day after graduation.

After the war, he started studying the pancreas in 1920, and in 1922, they injected a 14-year old diabetic boy with insulin that had had made and purified from an ox pancreas.

You can read more at http://www.notablebiographies.com/Ba-Be/Banting-Frederick.html

Social Media

Kawartha Branch, OGS, now on Facebook

The page is at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Kawartha.OGS/

The Kawartha Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society covers the counties of Haliburton, Northumberland, and Peterborough, as well as the former Victoria County, now known as the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Grande Prairie & District Branch

And the Grande Prairie & District Branch has a new website. The area covers the South Peace Region of Alberta.

It is a very clean site where you can search the obituary website, visit the cemetery index, and read the newsletter.

 The website is at http://www.abgenealogy.ca/grande-prairie-branch

Upcoming Events

Gene-O-Rama 2016

Gene-O-Rama will be held from April 1 and 2, 2016 by the Ottawa Branch Society of the Ontario Genealogical Society in Ottawa. The featured speaker will be Glenn Wright.

The latest details will be available at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/geneorama

Hamilton Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society

Christine Woodcock will present From Family Tree to Family Treasure on 19 November 2015 at 7:00 pm at the Hamilton Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society.

It covers the former County of Wentworth, which includes the Townships of Ancaster, Barton, Binbrook, Beverly, Flamborough East, Flamborough West, Glanford, and Saltfleet, which are now all part of the City of Hamilton. The branch includes a sub-group which focuses on British Genealogy: WISE (Welsh, Irish, Scottish, English).

For more information, you can go to their website at http://www.ogs.on.ca/hamilton/

Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia

Did you know that the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia (GANS) opens up their Research Room every Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at 33 Ochterloney Street, Suite 100, Dartmouth, Nove Scotia?

The Research Room is open to everyone. Stop by to chat, do some Internet research, check out the library, or buy a publication or membership. Bring a friend!

You can go to their website at http://www.novascotiaancestors.ca/eventListings.php?nm=287

Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society

The next public meeting of the PEI Genealogical Society will take place Saturday, November 21 at 2:00 p.m. at Beaconsfield’s Carriage House in Charlottetown.

Their guest speaker will be Sarah Fisher, Project Manager for the University of Prince Edward Island's (UPEI) new website called booklives.ca at http://booklives.ca, developed by the Robertson Library.

The Book Lives project originated with research on the *provenance*of books in the library’s collection which revealed interesting facts on the individuals and families who, over the course of many decades, donated the books. These books carry stories beyond their original purpose. The meeting is open to the general public, admission is free, and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

The Carriage House is located behind Beaconsfield Historic House on the corner of Kent and West Streets in Charlottetown.

For further information please email fredchorne@gmail.com

Newspaper Articles

Newfoundland

Cluny Macpherson, gas mask inventor, more than a side note of history

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/cluny-macpherson-gas-mask-1.3312072

Dignitaries and medical history buffs, including the acclaimed British historian, gathered in the atrium of Memorial University's medical school last week to unveil an exhibit about Cluny Macpherson's accomplishments during the First World War – the discovery of the gas mask!

Prince Edward Island

Replica chaloupe to be built at Roma

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-roma-replica-boat-1.3311227

The Roma at Three Rivers Historic Site near Montague, Prince Edward Island, is the proud new owner of a chaloupe— a wooden boat described as the pickup truck of the 1700s.

Mi'kmaq of P.E.I. history on display at Acadian Museum

http://www.journalpioneer.com/Living/2015-11-09/article-4337838/Mikmaq-of-P.E.I.-history-on-display-at-Acadian-Museum/1

The Acadian Museum's latest exhibition -- Ni'n na L'nu: The Mi'kmaq of Prince Edward Island -- opened last Thursday.

Ontario

South African historian revisits Canada’s role in Boer War after discovery of hidden grave

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/forgotten-grave-in-south-african-bush-recalls-canadians/article27216630/

In a remote patch of South African bush, where only giraffe and wildebeest roam, lies the long-neglected grave of an unknown Canadian who may have been a veteran of Canada’s first major overseas war.

11 Canadian War Heroes We Can't Forget On November 11

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/11/09/canadian-war-heroes-remembrance-day_n_8475820.html

While many soldiers have been recognized for their exploits in combat, others deserve praise for the roles they played in other fields designing planes, gathering intelligence, or treating wounded fighters.

Manitoba

Military hall of honour opens in Manitoba legislative building

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-legislature-military-hall-1.3312455

A hall of honour listing all First World War regiments based out of Manitoba was unveiled at the legislative building on Tuesday.

Located in the southwest corridor on the main floor, the hall will eventually include dedications to Lt.-Col. William "Billy" Barker of Dauphin, the most decorated serviceman in Canadian history, and Sgt. Tommy Prince of Winnipeg, Canada's most decorated First Nations soldier.

Fundraiser celebrates Carberry’s heritage

http://www.mywestman.ca/community-news/4503-fundraiser-celebrates-carberry-s-heritage.html

When the provincial heritage branch declared two blocks of Carberry’s Main Street as Manitoba’s first (and still only) Heritage District in 2007, one of their recommendations was to create a comprehensive walking tour guide that illustrates what’s special about the town. Thanks to Winnipeg writer and heritage buff Reid Dickie, Carberry now has such a book.

British Columbia

Lost to history: the Canadians who fought in Vietnam

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/lost-to-history-the-canadians-who-fought-in-vietnam-1.3304440

At only 17 years old, B.C.'s Rob McSorley knew he wanted to go to war, and it didn't matter if it wasn't in a Canadian uniform.

Now, 45 years after his death in the jungles of Vietnam, his sister is finally learning how much he mattered to the American soldiers with whom he served.

Canadian news stories this week

First World War letters are now online

On November the 11th, in addition to the nation remembering veteran's who died in the First World War, the county's archives, like the Archives of Manitoba, paid homage by putting online The First World War in Letters in a weekly blog.

They also have put on a database of 1, 092 names of veteran who died in the First World War. This a very complete database, for it contains their surname, and given names, rank, battalion, community of residence, next of kin/siblings at the front, details surrounding death, and date of death.

You can see this date base and the letters at http://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/archives/ww1blog/index.html

The Archives of Nova Scotia also has a website for putting on Correspondence from the First World War.

30,000 Nova Scotians signed up between 1914 and 1918, and archives is oresenting a small selection of original letters, to be augmented with new content each year until 2018.

The three letter that are presented, are those from Private George Allen “Al' Fraser, Captain L. Howard Johnstone, and Corporal Daniel Morrison.

The letters (which are very interesting to read), are at http://novascotia.ca/archives/warletters/

1921 Census for Colchester County, Nova Scotia are now online

Dwayne Meisner, who keeps on top of the 1921 census, tells us that thanks to Beverley Sumpter, Donna Rushton and Christine Vincent, census for Colchester County, Nova Scotia is now fully transcribed and available to view at the link below.

As usual, if you are not already a member of his site, you will have to complete a free registration form.

Please go to the site, http://www.dwaynemeisner.com/census/novascotia/colchester1921/index.php

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) blog

Now that the election is over, the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has returned to regular blogging, and last week it launched a new online database called Immigration to Canada, porters and Domestics 1899 -1949. 

This online database allows you to access more than 8,600 references to individuals who came to Canada. Names were taken from lists contained in the Central Registry Files series of the Immigration Branch (RG76 BIA) and other files held at LAC.

Go to http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/immigration/immigration-records/porters-domestics-1899-1949/Pages/search.aspx

The LAC has also announced the launch of a new online database, the Ukrainian Immigration, 1891-1930. 

This online database allows you to access more than 14,700 reference to names of Ukrainian who arrived in Canada and the united States between 1891 and 1930. Names were taken from the passenger lists held at lAC for the following Canadaian and American ports – Halifax, Nova Scotia; Montreal and Quebec, Quebec; Saint John, New Brunswick; new York, New York; and Portland, Maine.

Start searching at http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/immigration/immigration-records/immigrants-ukraine-1891-1930/Pages/search.aspx

Quebec government drops place names with n-word

And as you know, the Quebec government has announced that the rapids in West Quebec will no longer be named with racist slur after province drops place names with n-word. Quebec is the last province in Canada to do this, and now it seemed probable that placenames with the word 'squaw' in them will be banned.

There are still 27 official place names in Canada containing the term 'squaw' , for example, Quebec has the most, with eight, followed by New Brunswick with seven. British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Prince Edward Island have scrubbed the word from their maps, while it does not appear Manitoba ever used it.

To read the full story, go to http://www.24news.ca/the-news/canada-news/178152-quebec-rapids-will-no-longer-be-named-with-racist-slur-after-province-drops-place-names-with-n-word

And that was the week in Canadian news!

===========================================================================
Check the Canadian Week in Review (CWR) every Monday morning for the latest in Genealogy, Heritage, and History news in Canada.

If you missed last week’s edition, it is 
It’s the ONLY news blog of its kind in Canada!
It has been published on a continuous basis every Monday since April 2012!


Copyright © 2015 Genealogy Canada. All rights reserved