Category: Events

October 2023 General Meeting & AGM

KDGS OCTOBER 2nd MEETING PROGRAM & AGM: * You MUST Register to Attend *
The KDGS has some great programs lined up for the coming year! Of course, these are all free to our KDGS Members but non-members will have to pay to attend where indicated (prices vary). Due to our limitations on Zoom, KDGS Members and non-members all need to register for six of these programs for which we are charging a fee to non-members. To register, please use the following link to our registration form below or go to Membership > Meeting for the link. Our meetings start at 7pm but please sign into Zoom by 6:50pm – thank you!
Meeting Registration Form
Presentation: Pre-confederation research in Ontario, Canada West and Upper Canada
So, you have traced your family’s history back to an ancestor who lived in Ontario (or its predecessors, Canada West and Upper Canada) before civil registration. Now what? This lecture provides an overview of key record groups for pre-civil registration research, including: censuses, crown land records, land registry office records, church records, tax records, estate files (including wills) and burial records. You’ll learn what’s available, the dates and locations covered, what information you can expect to find, where the records are located, and what has been published, transcribed or indexed.
Date: Monday, October 2, 2023
Presenter: Janice Nickerson
Location: via Zoom
Price: KDGS members Free; non-members $15; REGISTRATION REQUIRED
After studying anthropology in graduate school, Janice Nickerson decided to make genealogy her life’s work, specializing in Upper Canada to help others researching in this difficult period and location. Since that time, she has developed additional expertise in fur trade research, criminal justice records and turning bare bones genealogies into full-fledged family histories. In addition to researching her clients’ family histories, Janice also does heir searching for the Public Trustee, gives talks to genealogical societies and writes for genealogical magazines. Special projects have included providing behind-the-scenes genealogical research for the CBC TV program “Who Do You Think You Are?” and working with the Toronto Museum Services to identify and commemorate the Upper Canadian militia men from the York region who died in the war of 1812.
Check our website to see the other fabulous programs coming this Fall and Spring!

KDGS UPCOMING MEETING PROGRAMS

The KDGS has some great programs lined up for the coming year! Of course, these are all free to our KDGS Members but non-members will have to pay to attend where indicated (prices vary). Most of the main presentations will be followed by our short “Bite-size” talks – see topics below. Due to our limitations on Zoom, KDGS Members and non-members all need to register for six of these programs for which we are charging a fee to non-members. To register, see the link to our registration form below or go to Membership > Meeting for the link. Our meetings start at 7pm but please sign into Zoom by 6:50pm – thank you!
Meeting Registration Form
Pre-confederation research in Ontario, Canada West and Upper Canada
So, you have traced your family’s history back to an ancestor who lived in Ontario (or its predecessors, Canada West and Upper Canada) before civil registration. Now what? This lecture provides an overview of key record groups for pre-civil registration research, including: censuses, crown land records, land registry office records, church records, tax records, estate files (including wills) and burial records. You’ll learn what’s available, the dates and locations covered, what information you can expect to find, where the records are located, and what has been published, transcribed or indexed.
Date: Monday, October 2, 2023
Presenter: Janice Nickerson
Location: via Zoom
Price: KDGS members Free; non-members $15; REGISTRATION REQUIRED
After studying anthropology in graduate school, Janice Nickerson decided to make genealogy her life’s work, specializing in Upper Canada to help others researching in this difficult period and location. Since that time, she has developed additional expertise in fur trade research, criminal justice records and turning bare bones genealogies into full-fledged family histories. In addition to researching her clients’ family histories, Janice also does heir searching for the Public Trustee, gives talks to genealogical societies and writes for genealogical magazines. Special projects have included providing behind-the-scenes genealogical research for the CBC TV program “Who Do You Think You Are?” and working with the Toronto Museum Services to identify and commemorate the Upper Canadian militia men from the York region who died in the war of 1812.
 
The War of 1812-1815: Essential Sources for Family History Research
Resources for researching those who participated in or who were affected by the War of 1812-1815 are plentiful. In this presentation, Glenn Wright will highlight the essentials and where to find them, in archives and online. British Army regulars, Upper and Lower Canadian militia and First Nations contributed to what is generally regarded as one of the most significant events in our colonial history. Discovering who these men and women were is a challenge and knowledge of the main sources of information is a good first step.
Date: Monday, November 6, 2023
Presenter: Glenn Wright
Location: via Zoom
Price: KDGS members Free; non-members $10; REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Glenn Wright was born and educated in Toronto, Ontario. Following graduation from the University of Toronto, he worked as a researcher for Pierre Berton before joining the Public Archives of Canada in 1975. During his public service career spanning 30+ years, Glenn worked as an archivist, historical research officer and assistant historian with the RCMP. Retired since 2006, he is a frequent speaker at family history and genealogical events with a special interest in Canada’s military history and the men and women who have served in uniform. He has published widely and is the author of Canadians at War, 1914-1919: A Research Guide to World War I Service Records and Controversy, Compromise and Celebration: The History of Canada’s National Flag. Glenn is actively involved with the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa.
Bite-size:  How the British 3rd Battalion Militia Blew a Hole in My Brick Wall, presenter KDGS member, Steve Hall
 
Christmas Social
Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Location: Reid Hall at Benvoulin Heritage Church
KDGS Members only
 
FamilySearch: Be a Power-User
FamilySearch is always changing, always adding records and features. This class will:

Explore some of the FamilySearch changes and update you on some exciting new features
Show all the places where records can be located on FamilySearch
Offer some tips on searching the records more effectively

Date: Monday, January 8, 2024
Presenter: Jeannie Vance
Location: via Zoom
Price: Everyone Free – non-members must email info@KDGS.ca for Zoom URL
Jeannie Vance began researching her own family in England, Scotland, Canada and the USA over 45 years ago. She has researched many of her lines into the 1700’s. She has assisted others with their research for the past 15 years. She was the director of the Surrey, BC, Family History Centre for ten years and was only recently released. She enjoys teaching classes and helping others learn how about their ancestors.
Bite-size: Being Aware of Presentism, presenter KDGS member, Mary Read
 
Accessing Ancestry: The Roots, The Branches, and The Trees
Are you getting everything you can from Ancestry? Are you using the advanced search parameters?  Are you using all the tools and materials available to you? Or do you just scrape the surface of the website? We will do a deep dive into Ancestry’s site to make sure you are extracting every last bit of useful material for your research.
Date: Monday, February 5, 2024
Presenter: Cyndi Ingle
Location: via Zoom
Price: KDGS members Free; non-members $20; REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Cyndi Ingle, a genealogist for more than 43 years, is the creator and innovator behind the award-winning and globally recognized CyndisList.com. Cyndi is an expert in using technology for genealogy, research in the United States and bringing together traditional methodology with organization, computers, software, and the Internet.  She is an internationally-known guest lecturer, and she has authored numerous articles and three books. Cyndi is the Executive Director for the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research. She is a columnist for the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly.
Bite-size: Internet Archives and the Wayback Machine, presenter, KDGS member, Xenia Stanford
 
Visualizing Family History: to capture your relative’s interest & help you in your research
Humans are visual beings, particularly those not interested in family history. Part of this talk will be on how to capture your family history to entice them. The other will be ways of visualising your data, your research thoughts and research problems to help you the researcher.
Date: Monday, March 4, 2024
Presenter: Helen Smith
Location: via Zoom
Price: KDGS members Free; non-members $15; REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Helen Smith is a speaker, researcher and author and has been researching family history since 1986 in Australia, England, Ireland and Wales with forays into other areas of the world chasing after mobile family members. She has given presentations throughout Australia, and internationally in New Zealand, Canada, USA, England, including twice at the KDGS Harvest Your Family Tree. Helen has also been a presenter aboard 17 Unlock the Past cruises. Helen recently retired from a career in microbiology and epidemiology and can now devote herself fulltime to genealogy! With her sciences background, Helen has a keen interest in DNA and regularly runs classes on DNA and its application for genealogical research.  She is the author of Death Certificates and Archaic Medical Terms, Google the Genealogist’s Friend and numerous family history articles.
Bite-size: Peel’s Prairie Provinces, presenter KDGS member, Beverley Brooks
 
Tips for Breaking Brick Walls
Every genealogist at some time while researching runs up against brick walls. Brick walls are when a research question such as finding the parents of an ancestor cannot be answered. There are simple techniques to help break through these walls. Lisa will share those techniques with us.
Date: Monday, April 8, 2024
Presenter: Lisa Gorrell
Location: via Zoom
Price: KDGS members Free; non-members $15; REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Lisa Gorrell has been seriously researching her family for more than twenty-five years. It was the birth of her daughters that began the journey connecting the pastand the future generations. One trip to Sutro Library to use microfilm of the 1920 census and finding her grandfather’s family got her hooked. Lisa is currently a board member with the Contra Costa Historical Society & volunteer at their archives at the History Center in Martinez, and a past-president of the Contra Costa County Genealogical Society and past-recording secretary of the California Genealogical Society. She is the tour leader with CGS’s research trip to Salt Lake City. A Certified Genealogist, Lisa enjoys giving genealogy presentations and writing about her family on two blogs.
Bite-size: Gravestone Clues, presenters KDGS members, Bob Hayes and Heather Clifton
 
Think Like an Archivist: Finding Genealogy Records in Libraries & Archives

Finding research portals
Using finding aids
Crafting effective search strategies
Finding genealogy records in archives
Visiting archives in person
Requesting records not yet online

Date: Monday, May 6, 2024
Presenter: Nancy Loe
Location: via Zoom
Price: KDGS members Free; non-members $15; REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Nancy Loe is a genealogist and has worked professionally in libraries and archives for four decades. She holds dual Master’s degrees from The Catholic University of America in American History and in Library Science with a specialization in archives administration and was fortunate to be able to intern twice at the Smithsonian Institution. Nancy has managed academic special collections and archives in California. She has appeared on PBS’s American Experience and California’s Gold as well as the Travel Channel. Nancy has presented at numerous conferences. Including RootsTech and the National Genealogical Society and has given presentations internationally.
Bite-size: Adobe Express for Genealogy, presenter Gord Hotchkiss
 
June Social
Date: Monday, June 5, 2024
Location: Reid Hall at Benvoulin Heritage Church
KDGS Members only

September 2023 Family History Forum

Family History Forums are a partnership presentation of the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society and the Okanagan Regional Library. The topics vary but are typically at the beginner’s level in Family History research. All are welcome to these FREE Zoom presentations but pre-registration is required through the ORL’s Events Calendar, https://orl.evanced.info/signup/Calendar, scroll down to Sept. 26, 6:30pm “Online Family History Forum.” Click on the event in the Calendar and follow the instructions. Be sure to enter your email address correctly and watch for the email from the ORL to confirm your registration.

Topic: Finding Females in Your Family Tree, presented by Xenia Stanford   
Finding records for women especially prior to the mid-twentieth century can be difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible. Most historical records focused on men with women not considered persons thus not allowed the same rights given to men. Property, business, naturalization and voting records were under men’s names. Once a woman married, she was often just referred to by her husband’s name. Not even Sally Smith but Mrs. John Smith or Mrs. J. Smith. If she married many times, she changed her name each time. Children usually carried their father’s surnames and often it is as if their mothers did not exist. How then can we show both sides of our pedigree and all sides of our DNA? We will show you tips and tricks to tracking down the identity of females in your family tree.

Benefits of KDGS membership 2023-2024

Have you signed up for our 2023-2024 year? Your $40 (single) $45 (family) membership in the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society is not too be missed if you are interested in Family History! Go to https://kdgs.ca/ > Membership to sign up or renew for our coming year (Sept. 1, 2023 – Aug. 31, 2024). Here are all the benefits of being a KDGS member (besides tapping into the support and knowledge of fellow family historians):

Monthly Meeting Programs:
We have a great line-up for our members!! Non-members may attend but will need to register and pay a fee ranging from $10 – $20 per meeting. All our meetings are via Zoom except for our December and June socials. Besides our main program, at each meeting we also have our short “Bite-size” presentations on a variety of topics of interest to family historians.
2023:
September 11; Using the new Library & Archives Canada Website, presented by Jean Buchanan Breit & John Moran of Library & Archives Canada
October 2; Pre-confederation research in Ontario, Canada West and Upper Canada, presented by Janice Nickerson from Ontario
November 6; The War of 1812-1815: Essential Sources for Family History Research, presented by Glenn Wright from Ontario
December 4; In person KDGS Christmas Party with food, fun, games and prizes! (members only)
2024:
January 8; FamilySearch: Be a Power User, presented by Jeannie Vance of the Surrey LDS Stake
February 5; Getting the Most out of Ancestry, presented by Cyndi Ingle of CyndisList
March 4; Visualizing Family History: to capture your relative’s interest & to help you in your research, presented by Helen Smith of Brisbane, Australia
April 8; Tips for Breaking Brick Walls, presented by Lisa Gorell of California
May 6; Think Like an Archivist, presented by Nancy Loe of California
June 3; In person Summer Social with food, fun and prizes! (members only)
Special Interest Groups (SIGS):
These groups meet via Zoom and are only open to members. They include: Eastern European Genealogy; English Genealogy; Family Tree Maker Software; Legacy Software; Family History Writing; Swedish Genealogy; and DNA Research.
Obituary Project:
Our ongoing obituaries for Central Okanagan persons offers digital copies of obituaries for free to members (non-members must pay $5 per obituaries)
Genealogy Journals and Newsletters:
We subscribe to many journals and newsletters from across Canada and beyond. Most of these are now in digital format. Our members receive them all via email!
Let’s Talk Genealogy:
Monthly Zoom meetings which are a forum for our members to ask questions and get the answers from our experts! These meetings are in-person during the summer months – held in a local park.
Marlene’s Grapevine:
Our membership director, Marlene, keeps you abreast of all the latest family history news via email: DNA sales, free access to paid website events, genealogy presentations online, new genealogy databases and projects, etc., etc.
The Okanagan Researcher:
Our quarterly newsletter is full of great articles and news. Members can post free queries. This newsletter is sent to libraries and genealogy societies throughout North America – who know who will see your query or article?
KDGS Website, Members-Only Pages:
Our members have access to several videos from our Family History Forums and speakers plus other information.

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  • Meetings

October 2023 General Meeting & AGM

KDGS OCTOBER 2nd MEETING PROGRAM & AGM: * You MUST Register to Attend * The KDGS has some great programs lined up for the coming year! Of course, these are all free to our KDGS Members but non-members will have to pay to...

  • Family History Forums