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.

 

Miscellaneous items I found of interest during the week.

The Wreck of HMS Speedy

Author Dan Buchanan will speak on his book The Wreck of HMS Speedy: The Tragedy That Shook Upper Canada to. Kingston and District Branch, United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada on Saturday, February 22. Zoom access (starting 12:30 p.m.). via www.uelac.org/Kingston-Branch.

Ancestry adds Ballymena, Antrim, Northern Ireland, Internments, 1875-1934. 

Information on these 9,599 transcriptions is at the source at http://www.thebraid.com/explore-your-roots-page.aspx?title=further-genealogical-resources.

The Genealogists’ Best Friends

With the huge collections at the major genealogy websites, it’s easy to overlook smaller collections — ones that are more focused on a locality and too small to attract the attention of the behemoths. Local libraries,  record centres and museums are where you’ll find these sometime quirky, highly pertinent collections.
I’ve been researching in Lancashire recently. Take a look at the top level collections of the Liverpool Record Office and Archives and local history from the Manchester Central Library. As what’s online is often just a morsel of what’s in the collection it’s good advice to ask the librarian or archivist for advice by email. If you can conveniently do so in person so much the better.
In Ottawa on Tuesday, 18 February, starting at noon, there’s an opportunity when many local heritage institutions will be at Jean Pigott Place, City Hall for a celebration of Heritage Day.

I Am the Very Model of a Nincompoop President

(To the tune of “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General”) With a lot of help from ChatGPT.

I am the very model of a nincompoop  president,
I slap on tariffs left and right, my trade wars are magnificent.
I call NAFTA the worst deal and I tore it up quite readily,
Then forced them all to sign again and claimed a massive victory.

I tax the steel, I tax the cars, I tax the dairy heavily,
And Canada’s so nice, you see, they barely even yell at me.
Their leaders try diplomacy, they think that we’re the best of friends,
But I’ll attack them anyway if Fox News says that it offends!

(But he’ll attack them anyway if Fox News says that it offends!)

I threaten Europe, scold the French, and tell the Brits to stand alone,
I praise strongmen in Hungary but call Trudeau a lightweight clone.
In short, in matters trivial, financial, or belligerent,
I am the very model of a nincompoop president!

(He’s short, in matters trivial, financial, or belligerent,
He is the very model of a nincompoop president!)

I claim that trade deficits mean other nations rob us blind,
Though how it really works is something I don’t seem to have in mind.
I pull out of agreements that my allies all find sensible,
Then blame them when relations start to look incomprehensible.

I call the Germans freeloaders, I say NATO is obsolete,
I cozy up to autocrats but tell my neighbours they must cheat.
I levy tariffs randomly and call it economic skill,
And when they counter back, I claim that proves they’re out to steal!

(And when they counter back, he claims that proves they’re out to steal!)

I slap new taxes just for fun, then tweet the markets into fright,
Then take credit when they rebound, for clearly I was always right.
In short, in matters trivial, financial, or belligerent,
I am the very model of a nincompoop president!

(He’s short, in matters trivial, financial, or belligerent,
He is the very model of a nincompoop president!)

 

Thanks to Ann Burns, Anonymous, Laurie Lloyd, Teresa, and Unknown for this week’s contributions.

 

 

“Snow at times heavy and local blowing snow. Amount 15 to 25 cm. Wind northeast 40 km/h gusting to 60. High minus 10. Wind chill near minus 23.”

That’s the official forecast for Sunday. A Winter Storm Warning is issued.

The forecast conditions appear to meet the criteria for a BLIZZARD — “winds of 40 km/hr or greater are expected to cause widespread reductions in visibility to 400 metres or less, due to blowing snow, or blowing snow in combination with falling snow, for at least 4 hours.”

Be prepared. Stay inside. Prepare for power cuts. Make sure your devices are fully charged, you have supplies for the duration of any power cut, and check up on any vulnerable friends and neighbours.

Northamptonshire Militia Lists (1762–1819)

These 26,819 transcripts, created from the original militia lists held by the Northamptonshire Archives, document men who served in the county’s militia. The 1762 list covers most of the county; for 1817, it covers parishes in the Towcester area; for 1819, parishes in the Daventry area; and for 1774 and 1781, the parishes in the Higham Ferrers hundred (administrative region).

The 1771 Northamptonshire Militia List comes from the original militia lists held by the Northamptonshire Record Office.

Transcripts include name, year, occupation, hundred, place, county, country, and additional notes.

Herefordshire Burial Index (1580–1812)

An additional 9,941 burial records expand coverage to 150,184 for the county in the National Burial Index. These records can help establish an ancestor’s final resting place in periods before civil registration.

Middlesex Monumental Inscriptions (1867–2022)

A further 6,635 records from Isleworth Cemetery, Hounslow, bringing the total for the county to 79,293, provides details from gravestones, often including family relationships and personal messages.

Newspaper Archive Expansion

Of particular note are 4,308 pages from the Folkestone Daily News for 1910-1914, a new title updated 1 day ago.

Ancestry updates UK Death Indexes

Compiled from funeral directors’ records and obituaries, the contents as of 10 February are:
England & Wales, Death Index, 1989-2024: 7,674,311 records
Scotland & Northern Ireland, Death Index, 1989-2024
953,672 records.

MyHeritage updates 1926 Prairie Provinces Census

Updated on 9 February, now with 1,995,864 records, including images. Ancestry’s version has 2,012,756 records,

FamilySearch Experimental Full-Text Search Update

As of 11 February 2025, the FamilySearch Full Text Experimental Search has 955,716,593 records, up from  710,339,386 on 4 December. Here’s the breakdown by region:

Africa (3,792,733)
Asia & Middle East (3,139,333)
Australia & New Zealand (21,430,450)
Canada (34,636,395)
Caribbean and Central America (8,050,248)
Continental Europe (1,228,200)
Mexico (5,187,613)
Other (37,669)
Pacific Islands (1,123,539)
South America (59,639,071)
United Kingdom and Ireland (27,062,210)
United States of America (790,308,678)

The last update was on 14 January, when the following collections of Canadian and UK interest were added

Collection Title	Records
Canada, Nova Scotia, Properties, from 1893 to 1894	965,858
Canada, Quebec, Legal, from 24 January 1906 to 25 July 1925	332,510
Canada, Saskatchewan, Legal, 1925	3,843,061
England, Norfolk, Legal, from 1225 to 1700	273,095
Isle of Man, Legal, from 1496 to 1955	753,752
Isle of Man, Properties, from 1506 to 30 April 1984	681,476
United Kingdom, England, Employment, from 1799 to 1829	2,538,721
United Kingdom, England, Others, from 1976 to 1990	1,270,275

 

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 11 February

2 pm: Norwegians in the New World: Tracing Norwegian Immigrants in the American Midwest, by Phoebe Cooper for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/norwegians-in-the-new-world-tracing-norwegian-immigrants-in-the-american-midwest/

2:30 pm: Give Your Past a Future – An Introduction to WeAre.xyz, by Simon Davies for Allen Country Public Library Genealogy Center.
https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12687468

6:30 pm: What’s New at MyHeritage, by Daniel Horowitz for OGS Lambton County Branch.
https://lambton.ogs.on.ca/events/lambton-branch-zoom-meeting-whats-new-at-myheritage/

7 pm:  Mapping Early Black Settlement in Amherstburg and Colchester Township, by Karleigh Kochaniec for OGS Essex Branch.
https://essex.ogs.on.ca/meetings/essex-county-branch-october-webinar-photo-preservation-and-storage/

Wednesday, 12 February

2 pm: Finding Your Elusive Female Ancestors in Local Archives, by Melissa Barker for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/finding-your-elusive-female-ancestors-in-local-archives/

7 pm: Black History in Ottawa Streets, by Jean-Marie Guerrier for the Ottawa Historical Society,
https://www.historicalsocietyottawa.ca/activities/events/eventdetail/156/16,17,18,19,20,21,22/black-history-in-ottawa-streets

7:30 pm: Celebrating Black History Month, by members of the Lakeshore Genealogical Society.
Registration at: LGSregister@gmail.com

Thursday 13 February

6:30 pm: The Genealogy Proof Standard in Action: Finding the Parents and Siblings of a Civil War Ancestor, by Lindsey Harne for Allen Country Public Library Genealogy Center.
https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12680543

Friday 14 February

12 noon: Creating Children’s Stories from Ancestral Lives, by Michael John Neill for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/creating-childrens-stories-from-ancestral-lives/

2 pm: Introducing 10 Million Names, by Cynthia Evans for Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
https://familytreewebinars.com/webinar/introducing-10-million-names/

Saturday 15 February

10 am: “Exciting Cause: An Investigation into Women Confined in the 1890s to the Kingston Asylum for the Insane (Rockwood), Kingston, Ontario.”, by Laurie Fyffe for OGS Kingston Branch.
https://kingston.ogs.on.ca/

11 am: Canada and the Great War, by Glenn Wright for the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History.
https://isbgfh.com/event/winter-webinar-glenn-wright/

MyHeritage Launches MyStories

MyStories is “a new global service that enables people to capture their personal stories in a beautiful printed book.”

New on Ancestry: Kensington and Chelsea, UK, World War II Related Records, 1939-1956 

These 7,384 records contain information about air raid precautions, bomb damage, refugees and war relief, welfare work and relief, and rolls of honour. They include employee cards, applications for military medals, London Gazette articles, death and burial registers, refugee lists, and lists of air raid wardens and messengers.