Toronto Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society

Fall 2021 lectures – online

Get set for another busy season of learning with Toronto Branch—we have two brand new online opportunities lined up in September 2021, to help you discover new sources and develop new skills.

On Wednesdays September 15 and 22, professional genealogist Jane E. Wilcox will present a special two-part evening series on Resources for Researching Your New York State Ancestors. In the first session, Jane will explore under-used colonial records at the New York State Archives. The following week, she’ll highlight unique physical collections and online holdings at libraries, archives, societies, universities and other repositories. Don’t miss this chance to pick up valuable tips that you can apply wherever you are researching. Enjoy both sessions for $20 (or only $15 for OGS members).

Perhaps you’ve got your own tips or great moments to share, but the idea of presenting to a group is stressing you out. If so, be sure to join us on the afternoon of Sunday September 26 for Tips for a Terrific Presentation. Two of our own seasoned Branch presenters, Dawn Kelly and Shari Read, will be teaming up to share their expertise. Learn how to set up a simple PowerPoint and make it pop—and how to capture and keep your audience’s attention. This webinar is entirely free for Toronto Branch members (look for the promo code in your July/August Toronto Twig e-mail), and non-members can attend for just $5.

Both of these fabulous September educational events are now open for registration. What are you waiting for?

Click here to find out more about Researching Your New York State Ancestors.

Click here to find out more about Tips for a Terrific Presentation.

The Toronto History Lecture for 2021

The Toronto History Lecture is back!

Toronto Branch is delighted to present the tenth annual Toronto History Lecture on Tuesday August 3rd, at 7:30 p.m. EDT.

Due to current restrictions, the 2021 Lecture will be entirely online. As always, it is open to everyone and free to attend.

This year’s Lecture will explore the life and work of architect Eden Smith, who helped to introduce the British Arts and Crafts Movement to urban Canada in the late 19th century. Smith was a founding member of Toronto’s famed Arts and Letters Club and a key high society figure during a formative period in the city’s development.

Speaker Adrian Gamble, PhD will tell us about the Toronto homes and other buildings Smith designed, the mark he left on his profession, and his many interesting personal and professional connections. Please join us for Toronto Arts and Crafts Architect Eden Smith (1858-1949) and His Influence Upon Canada’s Early Architectural Profession and Domestic Revival.

Click here to find out more about the Toronto History Lecture and past years’ speakers and topics.

L to R, architect Eden Smith, businessman George Howell, and muralist Gustav Hahn. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 91, Series 422, File 22 (Keith Miller collection of Wychwood Park photos)