February, 2007 News

(This news feature is divided into topics of Genealogy, Heritage, and History)

Bonus Feature - Website Pick of the Month!

2007 anniversaries include -
  • 50th anniversary of Terra Nova National Park
  • 100th anniversary of Jasper National Park
  • 100th anniversary of the University of Saskatchewan
  • 100th anniversary of the founding of the Scouts in Canada
  • 150th anniversary of Canada’s capital city - Ottawa (Ontario)

“Genealogy News”
Western Nova Scotia Genealogy Societies Receive Funding
    The Western Counties Regional Library is leading a genealogical tourism project for museums and historical societies in Yarmouth, Shelburne, and Digby counties.
    “A strong heritage sector is a key contributor to Nova Scotia’s economic and social growth,” said Len Goucher, Minister of Tourism, Cultural and Heritage. “We have a rich and diverse network of heritage organizations and we’re proud to invest in projects that help them add value to the quality of life in Communities, and contribute to tourism.”
    The organization receiving funding will also contribute to the projects, for a combined investment of nearly $450,000.

Wanted: Data Entry Personnel
    The Provincial Office of the Ontario Genealogical Office (OGS) is seeking two or three data entry personnel for a project that will end on March 31st.
    Some familiarity with computers, databases, and websites is needed. Training on specific programs will be provided. Some flexibility in hours is possible, including part-time. The work requires attendance at our office, which is located in the Yonge &  Eglinton area, and is close to the subway.
    Please submit a resume, including wage expectations to: Website Project, Ontario Genealogical Society, 102-40 Orchard View Blvd., Toronto, ON M4R 1B9. Fax: 416.489.9803.
    The website is <www.ogs.on.ca>.
“Heritage News”

February 15th - National Flag of Canada Day
    February 15th marks the day in 1965 when our flag was first raised over Parliament Hill, and in hundreds of communities all across the country. This year, it is 42 years old.
    The website <www.pch.gc.ca/special/flag-drapeau/index_e.cfm> says that “while we are still a relatively young country, our rich and fascinating history is only equalled by our incredible spirit and vitality that will define our future.”
    If you visit the page, be sure to go to “Defining Moments in Canadian History” and “Did you Know ...?” sections.
National Heritage Day
    The 3rd Monday in February is Heritage Day, which is meant “... to encourage the preservation and promotion of Canada’s nationally significant historic, architectural, natural and scenic heritage.”
    Go to <www.heritagecanada.org/eng/h_day.html> to find out what events are being held in various places across the country.
    Heritage day is not a national holiday, but “all Canadians are invited to celebrate the day“ by learning about Canada’s immense historical, cultural, and natural heritage. Discover all of its beauty, diversity, and vitality.”

Canada Announces Infrastructure Support
(OTTAWA) On December 4th, 2006, the Honourable Bev Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, and the Honourable John Baird, former President of the Treasury Board, announced funding of over $100-million dollars over the next five years for the following five Canadian Heritage Portfolio organizations -
     Minister Oda says that “The national museums are the keepers of our most treasured and significant heritage... Today we are ensuring that the arts and our cultural heritage will play an essential role in the lives of Canadians for years to come.”
    John Baird said that “Ottawa is an important showcase for Canadian culture and heritage. Canada’s new government is helping to ensure that our museums and cultural centres have the support they need to preserve our shared history, and promote Canadian talent.”
    The funding will address urgent capital and infrastructure challenges that have faced these institutions for several years.

The Ontario Black History Society
    The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) is a non-profit registered Canadian charity which studies and preserves and promotes Black History and Heritage .
    It has a series of events planned in Ontario for Black History Month in February. If you want to find out what is available, please go to their website <www.blackhistorysociety.ca>.
“History News”
90th Anniversary of Battle of Vimy Ridge
    On April 9, 2007, thousands of Canadians and French are expected to gather at the Vimy Memorial in France to celebrate and remember the sacrifices and achievements of Canadians during this critical battle of the First World War.
    As well as events which will take place in France, a national Vimy ceremony will take place on April 9th in Ottawa at the National War Memorial.
    The battle marked the first time that all four divisions of the Canadian Corps went into battle together. The success at Vimy earned Canadians a separate signature on the Versailles Peace Treaty. Of the soldiers involved, more than 100,000 were injured, and 3,598 were killed.
    The restoration of the Vimy Memorial was announced in 2001 as part of the $30-million Canadian Battlefield Memorials Restoration project, of which $20-million was spent on Vimy.

Website Pick of the Month!

Prospect, Nova Scotia's Genealogical Website
    Prospect's (in Halifax County, Nova Scotia) genealogical website <http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~prospect> has recently been updated, and it is superb!
    Prospect is a fishing village about 20 kilometres or so from Halifax on the Chebucto Peninsula on the South Shore, and was founded in the 1750s by Irish and English settlers.
    The website notes that “... we are happy to say we are celebrating our seventh anniversary. Since 1999 we have had well over 100,000 visitors, who have used the information on this website in their genealogical hunt.”
    They have added eight new headings since December 1, 2006, and some of them include “Probate Records”, “Birth and Death Records”, and pictures of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.
    Cemeteries, surnames, maps, land grants, a guest book, and pictures of Hurricane Juan (Sept. 28, 2003) have been added to the site, and will prove to be very helpful to the researcher.
    Even if you have no ancestors from Prospect, it is worth your while to drop in for a minute and to look at the pictures. They are worth a look just to see what the small village in this area of Nova Scotia was like, and what the people had to endure who have lived there.  
    You can email the webmaster at <natsmith@hfx.andara.com>.

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