“Our RootsTech discount is now live – 50% off webinar memberships through Saturday.”

This Week’s Online Genealogy Events

Choose from selected free online events today. All times are ET except as noted. Assume registration in advance is required; check so you’re not disappointed. Find out about a few more, mainly US events, at Conference Keeper.

Tuesday 4 March

2 pm: Ottawa Genealogy Drop-in

2:30 pm:  My Great-Grandfather’s Secrets: Using DNA, Oral History, and Historical Context to Discover Untold Stories, by Elizabeth Hodges for Allen Country Public Library Genealogy Center.
https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12834957

7:30 pm: Beyond the Online Basics: A Genealogical Guide to Digital Collections, by Dave Obee for OGS Durham Region Branch.

Wednesday, 5 March

7:30 pm: Cemetery Enthusiasts of Huron County Ontario – Guardians of the Grave, by Lori Carter for OGS Huron Branch.
https://huron.ogs.on.ca/

Thursday 6 March 

RootsTech 

6:30 pm:  Tracing Your Irish Roots: An Introduction to Irish Genealogy, by Elizabeth Hodges for Allen Country Public Library Genealogy Center.
https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12920325

7 pm: Getting Into The Habit: Researching Female Religious In Your Family Tree , by David Ryan for OGS
https://ogs.on.ca/events/march-webinar-getting-into-the-habit-researching-female-religious-in-your-family-tree-david-ryan-2

Friday 7 March

RootsTech 

Saturday 8 March

BIFHSGO March Meeting

9 am: Exploring the Official Government Newspapers: the Gazettes of the UK, by Ken McKinlay

The official newspaper of the government, the Gazette, might not seem to be something we would use in our genealogy and family history research. However, possibly you have military service files that states an ancestor was gazetted or was an officer who received a promotion. Maybe you found that your ancestor was presented with an honour from the Crown? Did your ancestor become a naturalized citizen or even change his or her name? You will often find those sorts of announcements in the Gazette. In this presentation we will explore the various government gazettes in England, Scotland, and Ireland to learn how to search them online and discover what they hold for our research.

10 am: Ripped from the Headlines: Death on the Forest , by Marianne Rasmus

“Manslaughter at the Races” —This newspaper headline from July 1857 about a death at the Nottingham races proved to be the catalyst for breaking down a brick wall on Marianne Rasmus’ maternal grandfather’s line that had plagued her for more than 10 years.

Newspapers can hold a wealth of information and can be an incredible resource when putting flesh on the bones of our family stories. In this presentation, Marianne will share the research journey that led to the discovery of the news story; recount how it, along with several other articles, shed light on a fascinating family and an event that had been lost through time; and explore life, and death, in 19th century industrial Nottingham.

10:30 am: Silent Roots – The Black Settlers Who Shaped Dufferin County, by Laura Camilleri for OGS Simcoe County Branch. 
https://simcoe.ogs.on.ca/

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Newspapers.com Updates

While no new British titles were added, over 150 newspapers were updated on newspapers.com in the past month.  Those with content before 1950 are:

Isle of Wight County Press (1884–2023)
Southern Daily Echo (1888–2023)
South Wales Argus (1892–2023)
The Bolton News (1867–2023)
Bucks Free Press (1856–2023)
The Guardian (1821–2025)
Northern Echo (1870–1985)
Glasgow Herald (1820–1900)
Evening Standard (1897–2024)

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The Old Farmer’s Almanac for February

This February, the mean temperature in Ottawa was -9.9C;  the OFA prediction of -10.0C could hardly be closer.
SUCCESS

The OFA predicted a dry month with 30 mm of total precipitation at Ottawa; the actual was 73.1 mm, well above the long-term average of 54.3 and more than twice the OFA prediction
TOTAL FAIL

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FreeBMD February Update

The FreeBMD database was updated on 24 February to contain 292,557,239 entries, up from 292,327,249 the previous month.
Years with major updates, more than 10,000 entries, are: 1993, 1995-96 for births, 1994-96 for marriages, and 1995 for deaths

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Ancestry Update

Ontario, Canada, Deaths and Deaths Overseas, 1869-1950, now has 4,678,790 records.

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New and Updated from MyHeritage since 1 March

Collection Name	Format	Status	Record Count
United Kingdom Newspapers from OldNews.com	Images	Updated	8,105,394
Germany, World War I Casualty Lists, 1914-1919	Images	New	8,325,620
Canada, Passenger Lists and Border Entries, 1925-1935	–	New	829,852
United Kingdom & Commonwealth, British Jewry Book of Honour, 1914-1919	Images	New	58,707
Spain Newspapers from OldNews.com	Images	Updated	13,721,512
Germany Newspapers from OldNews.com	Images	Updated	12,891,405

 

The following is from MyHeritage.

“From March 2nd through March 9th at 11:59 P.M., you can upload your DNA data to MyHeritage and enjoy advanced DNA features for free, forever!

Putting your DNA on MyHeritage can open a whole new world of discoveries. For each NEW* DNA file that you upload this week, you’ll receive free access to MyHeritage’s full suite of advanced DNA features, saving you the usual $29 unlock fee per file.

It’s the perfect opportunity to explore MyHeritage’s recently updated Ethnicity Estimate model, which almost doubled the number of percentage ethnicities from 42 to 79! Users have been calling it a “big improvement” and “the most accurate I’ve seen,” with some even saying that they may be “the best DNA results I ever got” compared to ethnicity results from other companies.”

https://www.myheritage.com/dna/upload

Miscellaneous items I found of interest during the week.

What the History of Free Speech Tells Us: Free speech requires the drawing of lines, and that is never easy

Another thoughtful essay from Dan Gardner.

Library and Archives Canada announces its first Creator in Residence

Ancestry Free Census Access

Ancestry offers free access to the 1921 Census, 1911 census and the 1939 Register until 9 March. Details are at https://www.ancestry.co.uk/c/womens-history

Book Banning in Canada Is Quiet, Systemic, and More Effective than Ever

From The Walrus.  I was interested to see mention of library books that weren’t “banned” because they were never ordered in the first place. As far as I know, libraries don’t produce lists of books they consider and decline to acquire for whatever reason.

Absence

For most of March, I’ll be taking time away. Don’t expect to see the usual blog posts, although I may pop in from time to time. 

Thanks to Anonymous, Christine Jackson, Teresa, and Unknown for this week’s contributions.

A Good Use of AI

Steve Little’s latest blog post, The Author’s AI Assistant: Finding Errors While You Maintain Control, reinforces that AI currently excels at language-related tasks, such as summarizing and editing, but struggles with research. Asking AI to conduct research often leads to hallucinations, requiring the exorcism of misinformation.

Transcribe Records in Minutes Using ChatGPT: Two Super Easy Methods

Ancestry updates London, England, Electoral Registers, 1832-1965 collection

Now with 217,124,900 records, this is a massive resource for London researchers.

The bar chart below displays the number of entries at five-year intervals, with noticeable increases in the early 1870s, 1880s, and 1919. There are no registers for 1916, 1917, and 1940–44. Some of the variation reflects the survival and availability of records. These records have been digitally transcribed, but I found many anomalies. Always check the linked images to verify the accuracy of the transcription.

Coming Soon to Canadiana Heritage

Several significant archival resources are set to be added to Canadiana Heritage.
Among these is the Central Registry Subject Files of the Dominion Lands Branch (1898–1949). The digital microfilm C-6583 documents land administration in Western Canada under the Dominion Lands Act.
Also forthcoming are the Directorate of Movements: Marine Files (Microfilm C-5700, 1945–1946), which cover eastbound voyages from September 1945 to February 1946 on vessels such as the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary, Empress of Scotland, Lady Nelson, Lady Rodney, and others.
Two sets of Field Notebooks from the Geological Survey of Canada (1870–1896 and 1871–1877) will be made available, documenting early geological mapping efforts across Canada.

Transcribe Records in Minutes Using ChatGPT: Two Super Easy Methods

 

This Week’s Online Genealogy Events

Choose from selected free online events today. All times are ET except as noted. Assume registration in advance is required; check so you’re not disappointed. Find out about a few more, mainly US events, at Conference Keeper.

Tuesday 25 February

2 pm: Why use metadata for genealogy, by Art Taylor for OGS Sudbury District Branch.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L78klIyrTWGPdYu3tIFeig

2 pm: Enhance your family tree accuracy with MyHeritage’s Timeline and Consistency Checker, by James Tanner for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/enhance-your-family-tree-accuracy-with-myheritages-timeline-and-consistency-checker/

2:30 pm:  Searching for the Smith’s, A Case Study, by Jessica Conklin for Allen Country Public Library Genealogy Center.
https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680653

7 pm: City Streets to Rural Homesteads,
Tracing the Orphan Train Story, by Heather Bigwood for OGS Wellington County Branch.
https://wellington.ogs.on.ca/events/wellington-branch-the-orphan-trains/

Wednesday, 26 February

2 pm: Shootout at the Rhododendron Lodge: Reconstructing Life-Changing Events, by Judy Russell for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/shootout-at-the-rhododendron-lodge-reconstructing-life-changing-events/

Thursday 27 February

9 am: Trouvez vos ancêtres dans les recensements canadiens sur MyHeritage, par Kathleen Juneau Roy pour Legacy Family Tree Webinars
https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/trouvez-vos-ancetres-dans-les-recensements-canadiens-sur-myheritage/

1:00 pm, BIFHSGO’s BHC Research Resources, by Sue Lambeth for OGS British Home Children SIG.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/geItdYN-RU6HiS19_C3uRA

6:30 pm:  Tracing Lineages: Unearthing the Descendants of
UVA’s Builders, by Shelley Murphy for Allen Country Public Library Genealogy Center.
https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680766

7 pm: One Team, Two Uncles, Three Victories, by Robert Yip for OGS Ottawa Branch.
https://ottawa.ogs.on.ca/events/ottawa-branch-presentation-details-tbd-2025-02-27/

Friday 28 February

12 pm: From Spit to Screen: The Journey of Your DNA Sample, by Paul Woodbury  for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/from-spit-to-screen-the-journey-of-your-dna-sample/

2 pm: Streamlining Genealogical Research Plans with AI: A Step-by-Step Guide, by Diana Elder for Legacy Family Tree Webinars (MEMBERS ONLY)
https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/streamlining-genealogical-research-plans-with-ai-a-step-by-step-guide/

Saturday 1 March

FamilySearch Full Test Search

The video below is a particularly clear presentation. It also went along well with the presentation by Jane MacNamara on Monday evening for OGS Toronto Branch on the same topic, and with an extended discussion on following on with related Ontario records.

Progress on LAC scanning out of copyright books

On 20 February, Library and Archives Canada posted The plan to scan: digitizing out-of-copyright publications.

One year ago, Library and Archives Canada (LAC) embarked on a project with Internet Archive Canada (IAC) to digitize up to 80,000 out-of-copyright publications from 1322 to 1920. LAC reports over 10,847 books have been digitized, generating more than 2.5 million images. The project is set to conclude this spring, with all digitized materials, up to 80,000 publications, freely accessible online.  None of the three publications mentioned in the press release are presently linked through the LAC catalog. More patience is needed. Perhaps LAC plans to release the whole collection at once at a date yet to be announced.

RootsTech is coming

The February OGS Toronto Branch meeting will be held virtually on Monday, 24 February, at 7:30 pm.

Marian Press will present: Digital Humanities and Family History.

Find out more and register at https://torontofamilyhistory.org/february-2025-meeting-online/

Miscellaneous items I found of interest during the week.

Findmypast Weekly Update

Middlesex Births and Baptisms
If your ancestor was born in or around London between 1538 and 1975, they may appear within these 3,158 new records.

Greater London Marriage Index
An added 1,068 transcripts.

Greater London Burial Index
There are 973 new records this week.

Newspapers
Over 280,000 new pages
New Title
Folkestone Daily News, 1910-1914
Updated Titles
Evening News (London), 1915-1980
Galloway Gazette, 1880-1881, 1885, 1887-1889
Kent Messenger, 1910
Lincolnshire Free Press, 1876-1877
Milngavie and Bearsden Herald, 1967-1969
Newcastle Courant, 1814-1816
Newcastle Journal, 1996
Pembrokeshire Herald, 1889
Wolverhampton Express and Star, 1942

Soldiers, Squatters and Settlers—early settlements in Upper Canada

“Following the Revolutionary War, many British subjects were eager to get onto British soil and Canada was the nearest colony. Land was granted to soldiers who had remained loyal to the Crown and with the success of settlements such as Glengarry, colonizers soon realized that there was success to be had in getting immigrants to settle in the huge swath of untapped land in Upper Canada. In this presentation we will discuss: Military Settlements, Crown & Clergy Reserves, Queen’s Bush Settlement & Wilberforce Colony, Quaker Settlements, Mennonite Settlements, Talbot Settlement, Peter Robinson Settlement, Huron Tract. We will also look at sale of treaty lands, and emigration societies in Scotland.”

This Legacy Family Tree webinar by Christine Woodcock is free to all until 28 February.

Genealogy and Technology with Dr. Blaine Bettinger

An interview on the Active History blog.
“One of the most interesting challenges (in genealogy research) is the rapid availability of new tools and new records. Almost every day, some new tool or dataset is available to genealogists. But staying on top of these developments is practically a full-time job! And therein is the challenge, being current while developments happen so quickly!”

The Tapestry of Time: Weaving Generational Threads in the UK and Canada 

I continue to play with AI, various free versions from ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. I’ve always wondered about the generation labels, so asked. Here’s an unedited view from Gemini, building on an earlier output from ChatGPT.

Generational labels, far from being mere categorizations, represent a complex tapestry of shared experiences, defining moments, and cultural shifts that shape the very fabric of society. To understand the present, we must delve into the past, examining the unique threads that have been woven into the lives of each generation in the United Kingdom and Canada. A comparative analysis reveals both striking similarities and distinct divergences, illuminating the forces that have shaped these nations. Let’s not only explore their historical context, but also consider the cultural touchstones of music and literature that resonated with each era.

The journey begins with the Lost Generation, born between 1883 and 1900. For both the UK and Canada, World War I served as a crucible, forging a sense of disillusionment and a profound shift in societal values. In Canada, this era also marked the nascent stages of national autonomy, a key distinction from the UK’s experience. The shared trauma of the Spanish Flu and the economic hardships of the interwar period further solidified their collective identity. Musically, the melancholic strains of “Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag” would have been a common tune, reflecting the blend of stoicism and sorrow. Literature echoed this sentiment, with Erich Maria Remarque’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” capturing the brutal reality of war.

The Greatest Generation, born between 1901 and 1927, emerged from the crucible of the Great Depression and World War II. In both countries, they are remembered for their resilience, unwavering sense of duty, and commitment to public service. However, the post-war landscape differed subtly. In the UK, the founding of the National Health Service (NHS) became a defining legacy, while in Canada, the expansion of social programs and the influx of diverse immigration patterns shaped a new national identity. Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again” provided a comforting anthem during wartime, while Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea” resonated with themes of perseverance.

The Silent Generation, born between 1928 and 1945, experienced World War II as children, enduring rationing and post-war austerity. In the UK, they were beneficiaries of the burgeoning welfare state, while in Canada, they witnessed the early stirrings of Cold War conservatism and the establishment of universal healthcare. The 1947 Citizenship Act in Canada, replacing British subject status, marked a clear step away from its colonial past, a distinction not mirrored in the UK. The smooth vocals of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon” provided a soundtrack to post war optimism. J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” captured the anxieties of a generation navigating a changing world.

The Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, experienced a period of unprecedented economic growth and cultural transformation. In the UK, the “Swinging Sixties” and the expansion of homeownership defined the early Boomers, while the later cohort grappled with the economic challenges of Thatcherism. In Canada, the post-war economic boom, the Quiet Revolution in Quebec, and the adoption of the Maple Leaf flag symbolized a burgeoning national identity. The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” became an anthem of unity and change, while Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” offered a prescient commentary on societal shifts.

Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, faced a landscape of economic instability and technological advancement. In the UK, the “Thatcher Generation” endured industrial decline and the rise of a service-based economy. In Canada, they navigated the complexities of bilingualism, free trade agreements, and a growing independence from US policies. The digital revolution, though nascent, began to shape their world. Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” captured the angst and disillusionment of the era, and Douglas Coupland’s “Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture” gave a name and a voice to their experience.

Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, came of age in the digital era, grappling with economic crises and social change. In the UK, they faced rising tuition fees and the repercussions of the 2008 financial crisis, culminating in the Brexit vote. In Canada, they confronted the aftermath of 9/11, the rise of social media, and the widening wealth gap. Climate activism and a growing awareness of social justice issues became defining characteristics. Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” mirrored the technological anxiety of the time, and J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series provided a shared cultural experience.

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are digital natives, deeply engaged with social media and environmental concerns. In both countries, they are grappling with the uncertainties of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising cost of living. However, Canada’s focus on Indigenous reconciliation and its early adoption of cannabis legalization distinguishes its experience. Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” resonated with their unique blend of cynicism and self-awareness, and Angie Thomas’ “The Hate U Give” addressed social justice issues that were important to them.

Finally, Generation Alpha, born between 2013 and 2025, are growing up in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and a shifting global landscape. Both the UK and Canada will witness the long-term impacts of climate change and evolving work-from-home cultures. However, the specific nuances of post-Brexit reality in the UK versus the increasing focus on Truth and Reconciliation efforts in Canada will create diverging experiences. Music and literature are still being written that will define them, but it is safe to say that a blend of digital music and media, combined with stories that focus on climate, and inclusivity will shape them.

In conclusion, the generational narratives of the UK and Canada, while sharing common threads of global events, are also uniquely shaped by their respective histories, cultures, and political landscapes. By understanding these generational distinctions, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex forces that have shaped our present and continue to influence our future. Each generation, with its distinct experiences, perspectives, and cultural touchstones, contributes to the rich and ever-evolving tapestry of our shared human story.

Thanks to  Anonymous, Basil Adam, Brenda Turner, Gail, Julie, Maureen Guay, Teresa, and Unknown for this week’s contributions.

John Fyler Townesend, a member of the BIFHSGO Hall of Fame, passed away in Nanaimo, BC, on 3 February 2025. Born in Marylebone in 1936 to Ernest and Ethel (nee Aiken) Townesend, John emigrated to Canada and worked for various departments and agencies of the Government of Canada. In an article in the Spring 1998 issue of Anglo-Celtic Roots, he described himself as a retired Criminologist and BIFHSGO’s Vice President of publishing.

He was recognized in 2003 for setting and achieving high standards for British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa publications while a member of the Society Board of Directors from 1996 to 2002. The excellence of these standards was recognized through three international awards received by the Society journal, Anglo-Celtic Roots, during the years of his leadership.

 

MyHeritage Ancient Origins

This feature, which complements MyHeritage DNA ethnicity reports, traces origins up to 10,000 years ago. You should receive the results in a day once you accept the terms. My results arrived as I was putting this post to bed. It compares your DNA to ancient DNA samples and populations. There are many different kinds of reports, including breakdowns from several different historical periods. Stay tuned.

LAC Co-Lab Update for February

There are currently 4,196 items in LAC’s Collection Search identified as Co-Lab-only contributions, the same as in December.

Here is the progress on the challenges since January. Two show progress.

Games of the XXI Olympiad, Montréal 1976 remains at 80.8% complete.

Treaty 9, with 27 images, lists 37% that need review.

Mary Ann Shadd Cary is 85.5% complete, up from  69.4%.

Expo67 remains 5.1% complete.

Summiting Mount Logan in 1925: Fred Lambart’s personal account of the treacherous climb and descent of the highest peak in Canada is 17.9% complete, up from 13.4%.

Women in the War remains 1.4% complete.

Arthur Lismer’s Children’s Art Classes remains <1% complete.

John Freemont Smith, RG10, Volume number: 4079 remains 88.5% complete.

Molly Lamb Bobak’s Second World War diary remains 95.1% complete.

Diary of François-Hyacinthe Séguin remains 99% complete.

George Mully: moments in Indigenous communities remains 0% complete.

Correspondence regarding First Nations veterans returning after the First World War remains 98.5% complete.

Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 remains 94.7% complete.

Legendary Train Robber and Prison Escapee Bill Miner remains 99.5% complete.

Japanese-Canadians: Second World War remains 2.8% complete.

Projects that remain 100% complete are no longer reported here.

LAC is replacing the search engine and improving the visual experience. Try the new version now.

StatsCan updates Death Stats

On Wednesday Statistics Canada released Fall and drug overdose deaths are main contributors as accidental deaths continue to increase, 2017 to 2022/. It included links to more extensive death statistics and notable revised data for deaths from 2017 to 2022 with previously unavailable data for Yukon.

Here are five significant recent trends:

1. Overall Increase in Deaths (2019–2023)
   The total number of deaths increased from 285,615 in 2019 to 326,215 in 2023, with a peak of 336,998 in 2022. This reflects an aging population, increased health challenges, and the impact of COVID-19.

2. Impact of COVID-19 (2020–2023)
   COVID-19 became a major cause of death in 2020, ranking 4th from 2020 to 2022, with deaths peaking at 19,906 in 2022 before dropping to 7,963 in 2023. This decline aligns with vaccination efforts and improved treatments.

3. Cancer and Heart Disease Remain Leading Causes
   Malignant neoplasms (cancer) and heart disease consistently ranked 1st and 2nd, with cancer deaths rising from 80,439 in 2019 to 84,629 in 2023, and heart disease deaths fluctuating but remaining above 53,000 annually.

4. Increase in Accidental Deaths
   Accidental deaths (unintentional injuries) ranked 3rd throughout, increasing from 15,698 in 2019 to 20,597 in 2023, with a peak of 21,087 in 2022. This could reflect more opioid overdoses, traffic incidents, or workplace accidents.

5. Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and Suicide Deaths
   Deaths from Alzheimer’s disease fell from 6,185 in 2019 to 5,231 in 2023, while suicides decreased from 4,609 in 2019 to 3,811 in 2023. This may indicate better dementia care and mental health interventions, though long-term trends require further analysis.

 

This Week’s Online Genealogy Events

Choose from selected free online events today. All times are ET except as noted. Assume registration in advance is required; check so you’re not disappointed. Find out about a few more, mainly US events, at Conference Keeper.

Tuesday 18 February

2 pm: Ottawa Virtual Genealogy Drop-In, OGS Ottawa Branch.
https://ottawa.ogs.on.ca/events/virtual-genealogy-drop-in-2-2025-02-18/

2:30 pm:  DecipherInk: Language Learning for Genealogists, by Taieno Kaiser for Allen Country Public Library Genealogy Center.
https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680591

7 pm: The Davenports of Simcoe County, by Pam Tessier for OGS Nipissing Branch.
https://nipissing.ogs.on.ca/events/nipissing-branch-the-davenports-of-simcoe-county-pam-tessier/

8 pm: Applying Research Standards to the Census, by Diane MacLean Boumenot for BCG and Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/applying-research-standards-to-the-census/

Wednesday, 19 February

2 pm: Navigating the Mayflower Families Silver Books: A Guide for Genealogists, by Bonnie Wade Mucia for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/navigating-the-mayflower-families-silver-books-a-guide-for-genealogists/

7 pm: Stories From New France – Part 3, by Carol Ufford and Dawn Kelly for OGS Thunder Bay Branch.
https://thunderbay.ogs.on.ca/events/thunder-bay-branch-stories-from-new-france-part-3

Thursday 20 February

6:30 pm:  Who Walked These Streets? How to Build an Online Platform for Historic Neighborhood Research, by Elizabeth Hodges for Allen Country Public Library Genealogy Center.
https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680502

Friday 21 February

12 pm: Research Your Roots in Alsace Lorraine, by Gail Blankenau for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/research-your-roots-in-alsace-lorraine/

7 pm: Tremaine’s Maps, by Graham Segger for OGS Niagara Peninsula Branch.
https://niagara.ogs.on.ca/events/tremaines-maps-with-graham-segger-niagara-peninsula-branch-webinar-series

Saturday 22 February

1 pm: HMS Speedy: Tragedy and Mystery, by Dan Buchanan for the Kingston and District Branch of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada (UELAC) 
https://kingston.ogs.on.ca/events/uelac-kingston-meeting-22-feb-2025-dan-buchanan-hms-speedy-tragedy-and-mystery

EXTRA
Sunday 23 February

1 pm: Creating an Ancestor Sketch – A New Approach to Genealogy, by Thomas MacEntee for OGS Halton Peel Branch
https://haltonpeel.ogs.on.ca/

Oceans of Fate: Peace and Peril Aboard the Steamship Empress of Asia

Today is the official release date of this book by Dan Brown. Find out about it in an interview on  the Active History podcast. hosted by Sean Graham.

10 AI Uses Every Genealogist Should Know

Researching at LAC online: upgrades for 2025

A news post from LAC on 17 February. The strategic plan to 2030 includes a user comment “We are a big country. Not everyone can come to a centralized location to research their heritage. Better to digitize what we can so more people can access it.” Sadly, LAC’s commitment to digitization is weak. The only reference to AI is ” LAC will benefit from work being conducted in other domains, such as the digital humanities and ethical artificial intelligence.”

 

Emails from MyHeritage and Ancestry came in about discounts on their DNA tests.

MyHeritage is advertizing a sale price of $56 Cdn instead of the regular $139 Cdn. Add on shipping and HST and the total is $79.34 Cdn. Order two or more kits and there is no charge for shipping. Their sale runs for another couple of days.

Ancestry’s offer is $79 Cdn instead of $129 Cdn until 20 January. The price, excluding taxes and shipping, is not revealed until you enter a credit card number. It includes a 3-month subscription to Ancestry World Deluxe for an additional one dollar for those not already subscribed.