1916 Census of Western Provinces Now Searchable by Name

Although the 1916 Census for the Western Provinces has been available for some time, it has never before been searchable by name. However, changes have been made to the database have been made to make searching for your ancestor by name is now possible. This makes the use of the database far more user friendly than having to wade through pages from counties where your ancestor was known to have lived.

Here's the link to the new search fields:

http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/1916/Pages/1916.aspx

Isle of Man Newspapers

The Isle of Man has digitized, searchable newspapers online to assist you with your search for your Manx ancestors. The newspapers span the years 1792-1960. There are more than 400,000 pages to search

http://www.newspapers.gov.im/Default/Skins/IOMDemo/Client.asp?skin=IOMDemo&enter=true&AppName=2

Home Children Photos Now on Flickr

Library and Archives Canada are reporting that there are now images of Home Children available on Flickr. Here's the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac/sets/72157632079794849/

Canadian Merchant Marine Agreements Database Updated on FamilySearch

FamilySearch has added to its data base of Canadian Merchant Marine Agreements.
 
From their website, the collection includes:

"ports in British Columbia (primarily Victoria). Some records are from ports in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and a few foreign ports. The documents are organized by ship and include, among other information, the signatures of crew members, their ages and birthplaces. Each box includes a general inventory of its contents listing box and file numbers, date, ship name, location and owner."
 
These records are neither indexed nor searchable. You need to wade your way through the various batches of records.

https://familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://familysearch.org/searchapi/search/collection/2057673

40 Free Credits for FindMyPast

UK Genealogist and blogger Chris Paton has a post about getting 40 free credits for FindMyPast. This is a great website for military records, emigration records, merchant marine records an so much more: http://britishgenes.blogspot.ca/2013/01/another-40-free-findmypast-credits.html

1921 Census Coming Soon

LAC is scheduled to release the 1921 census on June 13. Of course, it likely won't be indexed until several months later.

New Search Fields for 1906 Census of the Northwest Provinces

Library and Archives Canada has re-indexed the 1906 Census of the Northwest Provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to now include searching by name, and has included a search field for age to narrow down the search results.

http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/1906/Pages/1906.aspx

QFHS Presents: Celebrating Our Scottish Roots Day

The Quebec Family History Society will hold “Celebrating Our Scottish Roots Day” on Wednesday, January 16, from 1:30 to 4:00 pm, at the QFHS Heritage Centre and Library, 173 Cartier Avenue, Pointe-Claire. This is part of a series of monthly “Roots Days,” created to bring together genealogists in a friendly setting. Admission is free. Visit http://www.qfhs.ca/events.php 

Even if you don’t have a dram of Scottish blood in your veins, members and the public are invited to drop by anytime during the afternoon to chat about family history.  

Share your stories, learn from others, and browse books from the QFHS Scottish collection. Meet members who travelled to Scotland to research their ancestry at major archival centres and hear about their experience.

So, bring a coffee mug, your own favourite books or memorabilia on Scotland that have helped you in your research, a friend, or just bring yourself.

OGS Conference 2013 Registration Open

Registration is now open for Conference 2013. This year the conference is being hosted by Durham OGS and will be held at Durham College. The dates for the conference are May 31, June 1 and June 2. This years theme is "Pulling Up Roots, Putting Down Stakes."

There is a full slate of workshops which can be viewed in the downloadable brochure on the Conference website at: http://www.ogs.on.ca/conference2013/home/

Early Bird registration closes March 31. Here are the fees:

MEMBERS: Full weekend (including Friday night) $120 for early bird registration
                                                                                    $140 after March 31

NON-MEMBERS: Full weekend (including Friday night) $150 for early bird registration
                                                                                              $170 after March 31

Friday workshops will also be available at a fee of $45 per half day for members who register early. Online registration is not yet live, but should be shortly. Keep checking back.