Showing posts with label Heritage. History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heritage. History. Show all posts

Monday, December 12, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 12 December 2016


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 

Statute of Westminster 

11 December 1931 - The British parliament passed the Statute of Westminster, giving Canada final standing as an independent country. The legislation applied to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. 

The one exception, was Newfoundland, where Britain resumed direct rule as they did before 1931. That arrangement remained until Newfoundland became a province of Canada in 1949. 


Social History  

Historic courthouse becomes Hampton's new town hall  


After years spent sitting empty the old Kings County Courthouse is once again bustling with activity, as staff from the town of Hampton began moving into their new office quarters this week.  

At one point many feared the 145-year-old building would be demolished when the province closed it in 2013 without a buyer in sight. The municipality bought the historic structure for $1 and has been renovating it since earlier this year.  

Newspaper Articles 

Newfoundland 

Archaeologists examine Indigenous site dating back 2,200 years on Exploits River 


An archaeological dig has uncovered material that dates back more than 2,000 years on the Exploits River. 

Laurie Maclean, an archaeologist, and Don Pelley, dig assistant, spent two weeks in November sifting through mud, clay and dirt on the edge of the river in search of items that belonged to the Groswater Paleoeskimos. 

Nova Scotia 

Africville and the 1917 Halifax Explosion  


Shortly after 9 a.m. on Dec. 6, 1917 a vessel carrying munitions exploded in the Narrows of Halifax Harbour, devastating much of the north end of the city. Two popular myths have emerged from that event: Africville, a black neighbourhood on the shores of Bedford Basin, escaped destruction, sheltered by the heights of the Halifax peninsula; and, following the explosion, Halifax Relief authorities deliberately denied reconstruction aid to Africville. Although mutually-exclusive, neither myth bears close scrutiny. 

Some family history at Fort Gaspereau 


I am going to tell you a story that might or might not be true. 

I prefer to think that it is true since it fits what I know of my family tree. After all my grandfather, who was born in the mid 1800s, has a name on his birth certificate that you all will recognize, Charles Tupper MD. 

2 historic downtown Halifax buildings may be in private hands next year 


After years of sitting idle and as a potential hazard, the Nova Scotia government is hoping to sell the historic Dennis Building in downtown Halifax to a developer in the new year.

The minister responsible for the file, Labi Kousoulis, wants the issue settled as soon as possible. 

How civil rights icon Viola Desmond helped change course of Canadian history 


She's often described as "Canada's Rosa Parks."  but if anything, Rosa Parks is America's Viola Desmond. 

The civil rights icon and new face of the Canadian $10 bill refused to give up her seat in a whites-only section of a Nova Scotia movie theatre nine years before Parks's famous act of civil disobedience on a racially segregated bus in Montgomery, Alamba. 

HANTS HISTORY: Dec. 5, 2016 edition 

Here's a look  at what was making the news 35 and 50 years ago in the Hants Journal


Quebec 

Timeworn Quebec City bridge could draw inspiration from Scottish twin 


Politicians have been trying to restore and repaint a historic Quebec City bridge, known as the Pont de Québec, for nearly a quarter of its 97 years of existence. 

Its almost identical twin in Edinburgh, Scotland, on the other hand, is sporting a new paint job.

Ontario 

New archive highlights years of racism faced by Chinese-Canadians 


Seventy-one years ago Mavis Chu Lew Garland and eight of her preschool classmates were photographed on the porch of the Chinese Canadian Institute on the corner of Dundas St. W. and University Ave. 

History: December 6, 1941 – War, spies, even James Bond 


The small isolated farm in southern Ontario was the perfect spot. 

It was the allied training camp for spies. 

Hindus worldwide laud proclamation of November as 'Hindu Heritage Month' by Ontario Legislature  


Commending Ontario legislature for passing the bill proclaiming November as "Hindu Heritage Month", Hindu community is urging the Canadian Parliament, other nine provinces, and three territories of Canada to do the same.  

Saskatchewan 

History Matters: Asked for bread, given a stone; the 1910 Farmers' Siege of Ottawa 


In the summer of 1910, Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier embarked on a gruelling, two-month rail tour of western Canada. 

Officially, the visit would give the prime minister the chance to see first-hand how the region had changed so dramatically during his time in office. The more likely explanation, though, was that Laurier was genuinely worried about the rumblings coming from the farm community. 

And there was good reason. 

Alberta 

ANAVETS reveal memorial park project 


The ANAVETS revealed their plan for a memorial park dedicated to veterans of the Afghan War on Friday.  

The ANAVETS originally looked at placing the memorial at Veterans Park, but a land survey indicated the land used to be a 1950s high-water catch basin and to remediate would cost $1.5 million.  

The memorial park will feature a black marble cenotaph, a tank, and landscaping. 

British Columbia 

Kelowna cemetery first provincial site of Chinese-Canadian monuments 


A commemorative monument to honour the contributions of Chinese-Canadians to BC’s history, culture and economic prosperity has been unveiled in Kelowna.  

Cowley – A Village with History 


The story behind its toponym (name history) apparently has to do with F.W.Godsal a pioneer rancher in the Cowley area. This was not the towns first name however as it was originally known as French Flats, as most of the early (white) residents that came there were French in origin. Nouveau-Brunswick and Quebecois families with names like LaGrandeur and Barbeau settled in the area around 1882. 

Historians shrug as two prime ministers erased from Canadian banknotes 


Losing two of Canada's wartime prime ministers from the country's $50 and $100 bills won't be a step backwards for a country that has plenty to learn about itself, a pair of leading history buffs say.  

International 

Canadian Jewish Heritage Month on table at Senate 


Canadian legislators have introduced a bill to designate the month of May as Canadian Jewish Heritage month. 

Canadian Stories this Week 

Call for Proposals 

The British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO) has issued a Call for Proposals for its 23rd annual conference in Ottawa in September 2017. 

This year, they will highlight the genealogy of England and Wales family history, and Methodology, e.g., evidence analysis, genealogical proof standard, FAN (friends, associates and neighbours), and appraising the credibility of documents. 

For more information about submitting proposals, you can go to http://www.bifhsgo.ca/cpage.php?pt=125   

Deadline is January 31, 2017. 

New exhibit - The Canadian Museum of History and Library and Archives Canada 

A new exhibit, called Treasures From LAC Gallery, will be created within the Canadian Museum of History. 

The news story says that “ the gallery will showcase some of Canada's most historically significant documents from LAC's collections, making them more accessible to Canadians and enhancing public understanding of Canada's history and heritage.” 

So next time you are at the museum, be sure to check-out the CMH-LAC exhibit. 


Internet Archive raising funds for Internet Archive of Canada
I came across a friend's Facebook page the other day, and although she is an American genealogist, she had just made a donation to the Internet Archive, which, among other things, is going to host the Internet Archive of Canada. 

Not that that is a bad thing, but when you read the lead, it says “The Internet Archive is seeking donations to assist with the building of the Internet Archive of Canada in the wake of the Trump election”. 

What does the Trump election have to do with the Internet Archive of Canada??? 

If you read on, they say “The Internet Archive feels that this move is necessary in order to support their key mission: “to give everyone access to all knowledge, forever. For free.” We try to stay non-political here at Techaeris, but there is no telling what will transpire over the next four years with regards to net neutrality under a Trump presidency". 

So it appears that the Trump effect has made its way into Genealogy! Who knew? 


And that was the week in Canadian news!
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If you would like to subscribe, please send your email to genealogycanada@aol.com 

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Sponsored by Elizabeth Lapointe Research Services. To learn more about the research services offered by ELRS, go to www.elrs.biz 

(c)2016 All rights reserved.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Canadian Week in Review 18 January 2016


 

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 1876, the Supreme Court of Canada sat for the first time; however, it was not until 1949 that it was considered as the last court of appeal in Canada. Up until that time, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, England still heard cases.

For more information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Canada


In 1974, Pauline Mills McGibbon became lieutenant-governor of Ontario, the first woman ever appointed to a vice-regal post in the Commonwealth.

She held the office until 1980.

For more information, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Mills_McGibbon

Social Media 

Conference Keeper Blog

http://conferencekeeper.org/blog/

 A new blog by the WikiChicks curating genealogy conference dates



Mikequack.com blog

http://mikequack.com/

A new blog which highlights the conferences that Mike Quackenbush attends.

Upcoming Canadian Events 

Conferences 

NEW! 32nd Gene-O-Rama of the Ottawa Genealogical Society

The conference will be held from April 1-2, 2016 at the Confederation Education Centre, 1645 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, which is at the corner of Hunt Club & Woodroffe Streets.

The program is at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/GOR16Brochure.pdf

Registration is at http://ogsottawa.on.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/GOR-2016-Fee-Calculator.pdf

If you need further information, go to http://ogsottawa.on.ca/Gene-O-Rama/

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.

Speakers and agenda has been announced this past week. Registration will open in January. Registration is now open at http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference/registration/, 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.

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.

On January 30, 2016, the Great Canadian Genealogy Summit will be holding a draw of all registrations and one lucky winner will have their registration fees reimbursed.

In order to qualify you MUST have paid for your registration before January 29th, 2016 - at midnight

Go to http://mikequack.com/great-canadian-genealogy-summit-contest/

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

Newspaper Articles 

Newfoundland

IceCaps pay tribute to Regiment on 100th anniversary of Beaumont-Hamel

http://www.thetelegram.com/Sports/2016-01-14/article-4404244/IceCaps-pay-tribute-to-Regiment-on-100th-anniversary-of-Beaumont-Hamel/1

The St. John’s IceCaps unveiled their Royal Newfoundland Regiment tribute jersey Thursday at The Rooms to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme at Beaumont-Hamel.

Crowdfunding campaign to save historic Trinity church 

http://www.catholicregister.org/item/21598-crowdfunding-campaign-to-save-historic-trinity-church

Most Holy Trinity, a mission church in the town of Trinity, was built in 1833 when Roman Catholics were granted the right to practice their religion. It has never had lights or plumbing, but it remains active during summer months — and in dire need of repairs after 182 years of faithful service.

Nova Scotia 

Hants History: Jan. 14, 2015 edition 

http://www.hantsjournal.ca/Opinion/Columnists/2016-01-14/article-4400766/Hants-History%3A-Jan.-14,-2015-edition/1

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

Ontario

Queen Elizabeth exhibit at Timmins Museum 

http://www.timminspress.com/2016/01/11/queen-elizabeth-exhibit-at-timmins-museum

Royalty has come to visit northern Ontario as the Timmins Museum opened its most recent travelling exhibition, A Queen and her Country, on Saturday.

Blanket exercise teaches history from an indigenous perspective 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/blanket-exercise-teaches-history-from-an-indigenous-perspective-1.3400940

Known as the "blanket exercise," participants stand on blankets that represent the lands inhabited by indigenous people that eventually became Canada.

History museum staff silenced after raising ethical objections to buying Empress of Ireland
objects 

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/museum-staff-silenced-after-raising-ethical-objections-to-buying-empress-of-ireland-artifacts

Three months before the Canadian Museum of History acquired a prized collection of artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Empress of Ireland, six of its curators and archeologists told museum management they had serious ethical objections to the purchase.

Heritage chill sweeping through rural Ottawa 

http://www.ottawasun.com/2016/01/15/heritage-chill-sweeping-through-rural-ottawa

Heritage protection is going too far when council is asked to come to the rescue of old barns, council's rural chairman says.

Play and music part of celebration that will recognize Black History Month

http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/2016/01/16/play-and-music-part-of-celebration-that-will-recognize-black-history-month

February's Black History Month is both a celebration and a time of remembering the historical struggle of many African-Canadians' lives.

In his 18th year hosting concerts and plays, Ebenezer Inkumsah has helped teach thousands of Simcoe County children the historical relevance of events that have shaped the lives of Canada's black communities.

The Amateur Genealogist: Land Records – From Crown to Owner – Part 1 

http://www.mykawartha.com/opinion-story/6230765-the-amateur-genealogist-land-records-from-crown-to-owner-part-1/

All Ontario land originally belonged to the First Nation peoples. The Crown acquired land from the native peoples by treaty (that step alone is the subject of several books) and only the Crown could so acquire land.

British Columbia 

Exhibit open at Trail library showcases Italian Canadians interned during WWll

http://www.traildailytimes.ca/ourtown/365029461.html

It was a quiet Monday afternoon in 1940 when government authorities swept the home of Christine Demarco’s grandfather and hauled him off to an internment camp.

Canadian Stories this Week 

1921 census for Cape Breton County, Nova Scotia

Dwayne Meisner tell us that the 1921 census for Cape Breton County, Nova Scotia is now fully transcribed.

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

His site is at http://www.dwaynemeisner.com/census

 The census is at http://www.dwaynemeisner.com/census/novascotia/capebreton1921/index.php


LAC may partner with the Ottawa Public Library

And the last news item this week concern the possible cooperation between the Ottawa Public Library and the Library and Archives Canada in deciding a new location in Ottawa location of the new “super library”.

For years, the Ottawa Public Library has been looking for a partner, and now there is new that there has been a letter of intent from the LAC for this partnership idea. Wow! That's news!

So, how do you feel about this? I don't know. Does it lower the value for the LAC to be aligned with a city library? Or increase it's value?

Read the full story at http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-public-library-library-and-archives-canada-working-together-on-new-central-branch-1.3400935 and
http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/5-things-ideas-for-a-merged-ottawa-public-library-and-library-and-archives-canada.

And speaking of the LAC, they just issued the latest update in their scanning of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) and they have just finished scanning box 3962 and the surname Halliwell.

If you need to look up someone, go to http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/first-world-war-1914-1918-cef/Pages/canadian-expeditionary-force.aspx

And that was the week in Canadian news!