Beth gave us some good ideas for planning a family reunion at this week's workshop. She was involved in planning a 2017 reunion that celebrated the 200th anniversary of the first Higginson brother to arrive in Canada. The committee began organizing a year ahead of time using Facebook and other methods to encourage attendees. The local paper was also extremely helpful. Over 375 relatives (and townsfolk!) attended this successful event.
Thanks, Beth, for giving us many helpful suggestions.
One feature that Maureen was excited to report about was the new census search where you can search 17 censuses at the same time. We learned that this Beta research tool is still a work in progress, but they are making continuous improvements. Keep checking back!
The 1931 Canadian census will be released June 1, 2023. We hope to hear from Maureen next season about the information it contains and how to conduct a useful search.
Thanks again, Maureen, for this useful information!
Laurie reported a great find this past week. He's been using the British Columbia historical newspapers database and finally located a "lost" uncle. The first mention was in a social column that placed him in time and a location. Next, his sister's (Laurie's aunt) obituary listed him as a survivor, and the final discovery was the uncle's obituary. Mini-brick wall solved! Thanks for the update, Laurie!
Maureen provided an excellent overview of the most successful way to visit a cemetery. She had made an impromptu visit to a cemetery last summer and said that better planning would have helped in her research.
She suggested we think about time of day and season of year. Also, do some investigation ahead of time regarding the cemetery's hours and special rules. Best practice is to contact the sexton regarding a map.
She gave us a detailed idea of what to pack in a cemetery kit, including sunscreen and bug spray! Some necessary items include a camera, notebook, soft brush and possibly a spray water bottle. Cemetery markers should not be disturbed in any other way.
Remember to take a photo of the entrance and pay attention to the surrounding graves. Also, organize your findings when you arrive home rather than waiting months.
Great job, Maureen!
Our topics for March have changed places and, in one case, subject matter. Below is the lineup for the month.
March 7: Successfully Visiting a Cemetery
March 14: Using the Library and Archives Canada
March 21: Planning a Family Reunion
March 28: Season Windup and Summer Sendoff
Maureen's talk about her grandmother's long and stressful, but ultimately successful attempt to homestead in Alberta was very interesting. Canada's homestead rules only allowed the "head" of the household to apply for land; Margaret Jaques was required to purchase the land. Durng a three-year period she had to build a residence, clear the land, and cultivate a portion. And she had to live on that property for six months of each of the three years. It took seven years before she finally achieved ownership. Thanks, Maureen!
