A Baby, A Secret, and a New Life: What I Discovered About My Great-Grandmother’s Immigration
Growing up, I was told that my great-grandmother’s family came to Canada to find work, like many of us were told about our ancestors. But the truth was far more personal—and shocking.
Once I started to become more serious with my genealogy research in my teen years, I started to uncover missing puzzle pieces that solved family mysteries. But this time, I found an entirely new mystery that revealed the true reason as to why my great-grandmother, her parents, and her sisters all immigrated to Canada. And that reason…
Free Canadian Genealogy Websites to Kickstart Your Research
Researching your Canadian ancestors doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re just starting your family tree or looking for new records to explore, there are plenty of free Canadian genealogy websites that can help you discover valuable information. From census records and immigration databases, to historical newspapers and land records, these online resources provide can helpful clues about your ancestors’ lives.
Why Obituaries Became My Favourite Research Tool for Finding Recent Ancestors
As a young hobby genealogist, I used to get so frustrated that there were no good records to confirm more recent dates of death or find the names of younger relatives. Most countries have privacy laws that withhold exact record entries like census forms in order to protect the identities of living citizens.
So what do you do to find out more about the people who lived in the later half of the twentieth century? Enter: obituaries
The 1931 Census of Canada
On June 1, 2023, Library and Archives Canada (LAC) will release the 1931 Census of Canada to the public. The census was conducted beginning on June 1, 1931, and according to Canadian privacy laws census data cannot be published until 92 years after it was collected. This means that for the first time, we’ll be able to take a detailed look at the over 10.3 million people living in Canada during 1931.
How to Start Building Your Family Tree
Building your family tree is an exciting and accessible way to explore your family history. With advancements in research methods, such as genetic genealogy and affordable DNA tests, a wealth of tools and technologies are available to kickstart your genealogical journey. If you're unsure about where to begin, this guide will provide you with the essential steps to get started.