Friday, February 8, 2013

Did your ancestors come from China?

The Library anf Archives Canada just sent this out -
Do you ever wonder who your first Chinese ancestor was and when he or she left China and arrived in Canada? Are you curious about your family’s Chinese heritage?

If so, the Library and Archives Canada website at www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng is a great place to begin your research. For instance, you will find a page specific to genealogical research for the Chinese people. It provides you with historical background information, archival and published material from our collection, as well as links to other websites and institutions. This page also contains a link to the Immigrants from China database which provides access to more than 98,000 references to Chinese immigrants who arrived in Canada.

If your ancestor came to Canada between 1865 and 1935, you might find his or her name on the passenger lists at www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/chinese-immigrants/index-e.html

Smiths Falls Heritage Week Feb. 17-24

Smiths Falls in Ontario will celebrate Heritage Week this month by offering te following events -

LEST WE FORGET -

EXHIBITION GRAND OPENING!

This event will happen on Feb. 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Heritage House Museum.

Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute students will host the grand opening of their "Lest We Forget" exhibition. Learn the personal stories of the men and women from Smiths Falls and surrounding area who served in World War One and Two. Take this opportunity to discover more about each soldier with the chance to talk to the students behind the exhibit. Each student will have researched one of the soldiers highlighted. Refreshments will be provided. Admission free. You will not want to miss out on this great event. For more information please contact the Heritage House Museum at 613-283-6311 or by email at heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca

DISCOVER YOUR ROOTS:

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Come to the Heritage House Museum on Feb. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. and discover your roots. In partnership with the Lanark County Genealogical Society, learn the skills and 'tricks of the trade' in our genealogical reference library. Price of $5 admission includes a full-year research membership to the Lanark County Genealogy Society. This workshop is for beginners or for those who have hit a road block in their family research. For more information or to register, please contact the Heritage House Museum at 613-283-6311 or by email at heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca

INTRODUCTION TO ANCESTRY LIBRARY EDITION

On Feb. 24 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. check out the free event at the library. Join staff at Smiths Falls Public Library to research your personal history with Ancestry Library Edition. One of the most important international genealogical collections available today, it contains thousands of databases including census, vital statistics, church, court, and immigration records. Starting with an overview of the content, you will then learn how to browse and search the various collections, view, print and save the materials. Handouts will be provided to help refresh your memory after the session. Limited number of spaces. To register call the Library at 613-283-2911

To learn about these events, go to www.smithsfalls.ca/heritage-house-museum.cfm