Toronto Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society

Trace your English roots

Need help finding your English ancestors before the civil records of the 19th century? Toronto Branch is presenting an exciting two days of learning at the end of October devoted to English genealogy, and ideally suited for researchers at the intermediate to advanced level.

International author and lecturer Paul Milner and our own Branch expert James F.S. Thomson will lead a full-day workshop on Saturday October 27 on the theme English Genealogy Before 1837: Researching pre-Victorian Records. Learn how to move back in time and trace your English roots before civil registration and censuses, with sessions on accessing and interpreting parish records, mining the parish chest, armed forces records of the Napoleonic era, 18th century research, and resources you can explore from the GTA.

On the afternoon of Friday October 26, we’re offering a special bonus—a mini-workshop with Paul covering two key topics in Advanced English Research: “Navigating the English Probate System” and “Finding 17th Century Ancestors in England”.

Both events will be held at Lansing United Church in North York. Members of the Ontario Genealogical Society enjoy a fee discount. Register now to ensure your spot!

September 2018 meeting

Toronto Branch meetings are starting up again this month, and we’re beginning the fall season with a splash!

Join us on Monday September 24 at Lansing United Church in North York for an expanded Show and Tell evening. We’re going to begin half an hour earlier than usual to fit it all in!

Starting at 7:00 p.m., Branch members will be on hand to display and talk about their favourite ways to share their research… from scrapbooks to videos to quilts to memorabilia, and much more! Looking for creative ways to get the word out? This is your chance to pick up tips, ask questions and be inspired by your fellow family historians.

The regular portion of our meeting will begin at 7:30 pm. Our featured presenter this month will be genetic genealogist Linda Reid, who will show us how autosomal DNA tests can be used to confirm ancestral lines back hundreds of years, in Pushing Autosomal DNA to the Limits: Back to 18th Century Scotland.

And our Show and Tell displays will continue after the main presentation, so you will have plenty of time to browse!

If you can, come even earlier and join the Members Network from 6:15 on, in advance of the main meeting—get to know other members and share your family history experiences and questions in a friendly informal setting. All Branch members are welcome, regardless of level of knowledge or area of interest.

Lansing United Church is located two blocks south-west of Sheppard and Yonge, at Poyntz Avenue and Beecroft Road (enter from Poyntz). It’s a short walk from the Sheppard-Yonge subway station, which also links to frequent bus service. If you are driving, parking on local streets is free after 6:00 p.m., and there are pay parking lots close by. The few spaces in the church parking lot are reserved for members with accessibility needs.

Toronto Branch meetings are free to attend and open to all. Visit our Meetings page to find out more.