March 28 Workshop

Last Tuesday we held our final workshop of the season. Annie demonstrated the four main areas in Family Search where we can locate records. All four can be found under the search tab: Records, Images, Catalog and Wiki. 

Use the name field after choosing "records" and include a location and date range. Select record "type" and continue to select databases until you've located all records for one ancestor name.

Second, choose "browse all collections." There you can select a location and then narrow your choice using the filters.

When using the "images" tab, always begin with a location and use filters. Look for an index in the microfilmed slides.

It is also necessary to begin with a location under the catalog tab. Enter a county and state for U.S. records; use village and country for international research. When you open the selections, symbols will tell you whether you can access the records. A magnifying glass means there is an index; a camera means you can view the actual records. A lock indicates that you must visit a FamilySearch center to see the records. 

When you visit the Wiki, you again begin with a location. Browse the page to learn more about each location and look for the blue "online records" tab to link to other internet sources.

 

March 21 Workshop

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.

 

"New" Library and Archives Canada

This week Maureen gave us an update on the changes being made to the Library and Archives Canada website. Staff began planning during 2020/2021 and hope to have completed the renovation by 2030. New goals include findability, navigation, themes and plain language. 

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!

 

Newspaper Success Story

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! 

 

Visit www.familytreewebinars.com/24 to register for this FREE weekend marathon.

March 7 Workshop

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!

March Mixups

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

Women Homesteaders on the Canadian Prairie

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!