Toronto Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society

October 2018 meeting

The next Toronto Branch meeting will take place on Monday October 22 at Lansing United Church in North York beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Where did your ancestors look for support when they first arrived in Canada? In our featured presentation this month, we’ll explore the activities and surviving records of benevolent organizations, which offered guidance and assistance to new immigrants trying to make a new home in this country from the early 1800s on. Please join author, blogger, instructor and long-time OGS member Jane E. MacNamara for Welcoming Newcomers: Canada’s Ethnic Benevolent Societies.

After our mid-meeting break, we’ll round out the evening with a short presentation by Sherilyn Bell titled The UCSC Database—A Handy Reference Source for Genetic Genealogists.

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, please note that there will be very limited local street parking because of Election Day activities, and nearby pay parking lots may be a better option. The few spaces in the church parking lot are reserved for members with accessibility needs.

The Members Network will be gathering in advance of the main meeting from 6:15 on. All Branch members are welcome to take part and share family history experiences and questions in an informal setting.

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

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!