VICTORIA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY ~ WE COVER THE WORLD ~ The Victoria Genealogical Society (VGS), located in Victoria BC Canada, was established in 1978 as a non-profit, volunteer-run society. VGS's first aim is to further the study of genealogy - the exciting search for one's ancestors and family history. Our VGS Resource Centre contains a large Canadian collection, plus resources from other parts of the world to help you with your genealogy research. Are you interested in researching your heritage and family tree? Are you looking for others who share your enthusiasm for genealogy? Are you looking for resources and help with your genealogy research? We can help! - Please join us!

Victoria Genealogical Society (VGS)
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

News bulletins and announcements from VGS and beyond.

 

VGS Members Night - A Resounding Success!

Posted 11 May 2012

Once a year in May, VGS traditionally turns over the presentation portion of our monthly meeting to members who are willing to share stories and information about their own ancestral trails.  This year was no exception, with 4 members stepping forward with very interesting and entertaining presentations.

Kate Jones, a relatively new VGS member, compared the timelines of two of her ancestral families who journeyed from Ireland to Victoria, with the timeline of Victoria itself - this added some interesting historical context to her family events.  Presented with calm assurance and humor, somehow she even managed to bring James Brown into it!  Kate's Power Point presentation was filled with lovely photos, maps and even animated graphics, including the morphing of 2 photos of mother and son to show the close family resemblance.  Well done, Kate - you taught us all something new!

Bart Armstrong, who can always be counted on to bring military themes into his presentations, took inspiration this time from the occasion of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this year.  He pointed out that the only other English monarch who reigned this long was our namesake, Queen Victoria, who celebrated her own Diamond Jubilee 150 years ago.  Did you know Queen Victoria's grandson wrote her a letter while off fighting with the troops, and complained about the cold weather, so she decided to crochet some scarves for thems?  She made only a few before she died (perhaps 8), which were awarded to the bravest of her soldiers.  One  of these scarves now resides in Canada.  Thanks Bart!

Pat Acton and Robert Brett proved that sometimes two researchers are better than one, especially when they collaborate.  Pat wanted to find out the identity of a uniformed man in one of her old unlabeled photos, and she was also curious about 2 brothers from Scotland who both had possible military designations after their names on their marriage certificates.  Robert joined in to try and solve the military connections, and managed to find a wealth of military records online that placed the brothers not only in Scotland, but in Australia and France, among other places.  They identified the man in the photo, and in a another later photo with his wife.  Their search continues for even more information.  Great job, and good luck on your further research.

 

“Ask Granny!” Visits the Kensington

Posted 24 Apr 2012

On 18 April 2012, volunteers from the Victoria Genealogical Society presented an “Ask Granny!” seminar to seniors of the Kensington retirement residence in Gordon Head.  This was the twelfth “Ask Granny!” seminar delivered since the program was introduced in April 2011 bringing the total of “Ask Granny!” participants in this first year to the nice round number of 100.  The volunteer team is now taking a break and will resume the next series of seminars in September.

“Meeting and talking to the participants has been a wonderful experience” reports Merv Scott, the Project Coordinator.  “But we couldn’t have provided this service to our community without the help of all of our volunteers or without the generous financial donations we received either” continued Merv.

It’s been a rewarding year for our “Ask Granny” team.  Their program was the subject of a front page news story in the Oak Bay News.  They won the “Ask Granny Chapter of the Year Award” for 2011 as selected by the American co-founders. And the program received two special donations totaling $1000 which will provide the necessary funding to keep the program going this coming fall.

“It’s clear to me” says Merv, “that we are fulfilling a need within our community to help senior citizens capture on paper their irreplaceable memories of family names, dates and places.  This information could have been lost forever if we hadn’t gotten it down on paper.  That’s all the inspiration needed to continue the program in the fall.”

 

"Ancestral Trail" - VGS Coming Soon on Shaw Cable

Posted 8 Mar 2012

Be sure to tune into Channel 11 - Shaw TV (Victoria, Saltspring and Pender Islands) - our local community access channel.  They will be broadcasting a 15 minute segment on the Victoria Genealogical Society, recently taped at the VGS Resource Centre here in Victoria.  “Ancestral Trail” will include interviews with VGS President Melanie Arscott, VGS Projects Director Merv Scott, and VGS Resource Centre and Volunteers Coordinator Diana Gaiger. There are 4 scheduled air dates:

Saturday March 10, 2012:
8:45am – 9:00am
9:45pm – 10:00pm

Sunday March 11, 2012:
1:15pm – 1:30pm
8:15pm – 8:30pm

 

"Ask Granny" Goes to Selkirk Place

Posted 7 Mar 2012

Volunteers from the Victoria Genealogical Society presented another in their series of “Ask Granny” seminars on Monday, February 27th. This time they were at the wonderful accommodations of Selkirk Place on Waterfront Crescent next to the Gorge waterfront. Merv Scott, Project Coordinator, reported that the seminar was fully booked as was the exercise room next door. “This was a great group” said Merv, “and obviously well supported by the recreation staff”.

This was the 11th “Ask Granny” seminar delivered by the Victoria Genealogical Society over the past year which has now provided an introduction to genealogy and ancestor charts to 108 participants. The hour long seminar is provided free thanks to generous donations received from Victoria Genealogical Society members.

 

"Ask Granny" visits Carlton House of Oak Bay

Posted 12 Feb 2012

Volunteers from the Victoria Genealogical Society proudly presented another "Ask Granny" seminar last week, this time at Carlton House in Oak Bay. The seminars are limited to 12 participants to ensure our volunteers can properly handle all the questions from participants. This was our 11th Ask Granny seminar delivered in the past year and the ever popular seminar was fully booked quite early. No doubt interest in the seminar at Carlton House was piqued by the front page story about the seminar which appeared in the Oak Bay News that same day and included a wonderful interview with one of the seminar registrants.

Merv Scott, the “Ask Granny” project coordinator, would like to thank Rowena Hendriks and the rest of the staff at Carlton House and of course the great group of enthusiastic participants and volunteers.

Photo courtesy of the Recreation Coordinator at Carlton House, Victoria BC Canada.

 

VGS "Ask Granny" Seminars  Attract Local Media Coverage

Posted 15 Feb 2012

Our Victoria Genealogical Society's “Ask Granny” program continues to receive recognition. Today the Oak Bay News published a story titled "Piecing Together A Historical Puzzle" about “Ask Granny” that was likely picked up by other regional papers as well.  The article can be read by clicking on the following link: http://www.oakbaynews.com/news/139299118.html

 

Roots Tech Online Seminars

Posted 10 Feb 2012

For those of you who didn't manage to get to the Roots Tech 3-day conference held earlier this month in Salt Lake City, you may want to check out their website where you can access some videos from this wonderful event - http://rootstech.org/

 

VGS Takes Their Award Winning “Ask Granny” Program To Somerset House - 31 Jan 2012

Posted 9 Feb 2012 by Merv Scott, Project Coordinator

Volunteers from the Victoria Genealogical Society were at the Amica at Somerset House retirement residence on Dallas Road this past Tuesday, January 31, presenting another of the Society’s on-going “Ask Granny!” educational outreach seminars. The 13 participants were all very engaged with the topic and the presenters enjoyed their enthusiasm. An important ingredient to a successful seminar is the facility and Somerset House certainly provided a great presentation room which included enough table work space for everyone.

During an “Ask Granny!” seminar the participants are provided an introduction to genealogy, then guided in the making of their very own ancestor charts. After the seminar the participants store their charts in the handy folder provided to them which is full of information and labeled “A Genealogical Gift To My Family”.

The seminar and the materials are provided free to the seniors thanks to the Victoria Genealogical Society, its volunteers, and an anonymous donor. The Society provides an “Ask Granny!” seminar monthly and, thanks to our generous donor, is now fully funded through this season’s bookings which concludes in May, 2012. This is our 9th Ask Granny Seminar since we adopted the program in April of 2011 and to date 85 participants have taken the Seminar.

“Ask Granny!” seminars are provided by genealogy societies in over 40 American States as well as communities in the U.K., Australia and Canada. For 2011 the American founders of the “Ask Granny” program selected a Canadian chapter, our Victoria Genealogical Society, for their “Chapter of the Year Award”.

For more information about the "Ask Granny!" seminars, visit our VGS programs page, or email Project Coordinator Merv Scott at projects@victoriags.org.

 

Snowy Weather Causes Workshop Cancellation, Resource Centre Closure

Posted 20 Jan 2012

The Resource Center was closed yesterday (Jan 19th) and today (Jan 20th) and Saturday (Jan 21) due to the weather conditions.  The Resource Center will reopen Monday, January 23, 2012 - normal hours.

Linda Boon’s January 21 workshop "Proof and the Family Historian: Separating Family Fiction from Fact" has been cancelled. Future announcements will be made about rescheduling this workshop.

 

VGS Receives Award for "Ask Granny" Program

Posted 14 Jan 2012

We are very pleased and proud to announce that the Victoria Genealogical Society's "Ask Granny" program has been awarded the "2011 Chapter of the Year" award by the wonderful folks at "Ask Granny" - www.askgranny.us.

The following announcement was also published in the "Ask Granny" newsletter on December 6, 2011:

“Ask Granny”© founders Judy Russell and Greg Crane are pleased to announce that the Victoria Genealogical Society of Victoria, BC, Canada, has been named “Ask Granny”© chapter of the year. The project group, led by Merv Scott, has not only worked to revise our “Ask Granny”© materials for Canadian spelling and usage, he has graciously offered to share those files with others in Canada.

Merv reports that their calendar is filled up through Spring of 2012 with “Granny” sessions in local retirement facilities. Our thanks go to Merv and his group for their excellent work and for keeping us posted."

Congratulations and thanks go out to Merv Scott and his hard working team of Ask Granny volunteers for implementing and managing this wonderful outreach program here is Victoria BC!  More information on this VGS "Ask Granny" program can be found on our programs page.

 

Happy New Year!

Posted 5 Jan 2012

After a break for the holiday season and to investigate some technical issues, we are back and ready to roll for the start of the new year. We're now catching up with updates to the site. 

We are continuing with our popular genealogy workshop series - check out the upcoming workshops, now updated on this site.

 

Emily Carr Visited VGS - December 8, 2011

Posted 7 Jan 2012

Our VGS December meeting was blessed with a visit from Emily Carr, as portrayed by Molly Raher Newman, who has been playing the role of Emily Carr since the last century - August, 1999.  In the twelve years since she has introduced this famous Canadian to school children and their teachers, tourists, convention visitors, historians, writers and readers, art gallery patrons and museum members, and a host of many other people from all parts of the world.  Now the Victoria Genealogical Society can be added to her list of happy audiences.

Molly, dressed in period costume and taking on the character of Emily Carr, read selections of her writings about Christmas in Victoria - downtown Shoppes on Wharf and Government Streets, Victorian decorations and fresh firs, family holiday traditions, ending with the delightful story from her House of AllSorts Book - "John's Pudding". 

As well as being a talented actress, Molly is also an accomplished musician and singer, playing multiple instruments.  Emily Carr also played an instrument in her time (perhaps the mandolin).  So Molly brought along her ukulele and sang a beautiful song (Emily's Waltz),  words set to music in the late 1940's following Emily Carr's death in 1945.  Molly's performance was so enjoyable, she left us wanting more!

One of many interesting articles about Emily Carr and Molly was written in 2007, another in 2006 about Molly "Becoming Emily", and a biography of the historical Emily Carr containing additional links will provide additional information.

 

VGS Website Update Policy

Posted 4 Dec 2011

Due to continuing problems with hackers, we will not be updating information on this site until the source of the problems can be identified and blocked.  In the meantime, please watch your email for the latest "Members Update" and "Resourcefully Yours" bulletins for the latest VGS information and activities.  Thanks again for your patience and understanding. 

Hope to see you at the VGS Christmas general meeting on Thursday, Dec 8, 2011 -  as it is our year-end party, please bring finger food (appies, desserts ...).  Thanks!

 

VGS Website Status

Posted 15 Nov 2011

This website was recently hacked, and for a time was redirecting viewers to a malware site - not a good thing to happen at all.  We are doing everything possible to rectify this, restore the site, and make it a safe place to visit.  We will be working with Google to get the status of the site restored.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

Remembrance Week at the BC Museum - Nov 7 to Nov 10

Posted 8 Nov 2011

The BC Museum in Victoria BC is presenting their Remembrance Commemorations during the week of Nov 7-10. VGS has been asked again to take part in this event, so please stop by and say hi to our volunteers when you are visiting the museum this week.

Bart Armstrong, VGS member and past president, has also been asked to do a presentation on his research into the US Medal Of Honor, a passion of his for over a decade.  Bart, along with Victoria Genealogical Society volunteers, has spent many years researching the 100 plus “Forgotten Canadians” or those with connections to Canada, who earned the US Medal of Honor. Bart’s work has been internationally recognized and our embassy in Washington, DC commends this historical research. Bart lives in Victoria, BC and for a second year, will be presenting his exciting display.

 

Meet and Greet with Lisa Louise Cooke

Posted 4 Nov 2011

What a treat it was to meet Lisa Louise Cooke, world renowned genealogy speaker, podcaster and blogger from California, who was in Victoria recently to present four separate talks at our recent VGS annual genealogy seminar. 

Lisa was kind enough to attend a "Meet and Greet" event at the VGS Resource Centre on October 28, 2011, the evening before the seminar, the first time VGS has scheduled such an event.  Those who attended were thrilled to meet Lisa, and each had time to talk with her personally and ask questions.  Lisa is extremely personable and friendly, and very willing to share her stories and the "genealogy gems" she has learned along her own journey.  The room was buzzing with conversations all around.

Refreshments were served, and pictures were taken at the end of the evening, showing some of the happy faces who attended.

Visit Lisa's website Genealogy Gems to "meet" her too, sign up for her free newsletter and watch her informative podcasts.

 

Thrifty  Foods Smile Cards Help Reach Fundraising Goal!

Posted 3 Nov 2011

Thrifty Foods Smile Card Fundraising Program meets $1500 goal thanks to you and Thrifty Foods.

We are excited to report that our Library Acquisitions Fundraising Program has been a resounding success again this year and our Goal has been reached! Congratulations to all our members and friends who participated by taking and using a Thrifty Smile Card. With 104 Smile Cards being used by our members and friends we reached our goal limit of $1500 set by Thrifty’s. That funding is sorely needed to continue providing Library resources like the well received www.ancestry.ca subscription.

If you have balances remaining on your Thrifty Smile Cards they still work so use up those balances.

More good news - Thrifty Foods has invited us to reapply for funding from their next fiscal year’s Smile Card Program, which begins May, 2012. Our Project Director, Merv Scott, will be making that proposal at an upcoming meeting of the VGS Executive Committee, so stay tuned for more news and don’t throw away your Smile Cards as we may be able to access this fund again. If you are afraid you may lose your Smile Card in the meantime you can always return them to our friendly volunteers at the VGS Resource Center.

PLEASE DON'T RETURN YOUR SMILE CARDS TO THRIFTY FOODS.

If you have any other questions about the Thrifty Foods Smile Card Program, please send them to Merv Scott at vgsprojectdirector@gmail.com.

 

"Ask Granny!" Program Received Anonymous Donation

Posted 2 Nov 2011

The Victoria Genealogical Society recently presented another “Ask Granny!” seminar, with thanks to a special and welcome donation from an anonymous donor.  We are very grateful for the continuing support of our generous members and community, who provide us with funds necessary to run such worthwhile programs and services.

Volunteers from the Victoria Genealogical Society were at The Kensington retirement residence in Saanich on Wednesday, October 26, presenting another of the Society’s on-going “Ask Granny!” educational outreach seminars. With 15 participants and a few on-lookers this was the best attended seminar to date, exceeding the advertised enrollment limit of 12. The group also included our first centurion student who was not only a quick thinker but a very popular participant as well. Fortunately the great facilities at The Kensington could accommodate the larger group and there was enough table work space for elbows and smiles all around.

During an “Ask Granny!” seminar the participants are provided an introduction to genealogy, then guided in the making of their very own ancestor charts. Their charts are provided to the seniors with a booklet of the information presented at the seminar, all in a handy folder labeled “A Genealogical Gift To My Family”.

The seminar and the materials are provided free to the seniors thanks to the Victoria Genealogical Society, its volunteers, and a recently received donation of $500 from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. The Society provides an “Ask Granny!” seminar monthly and, thanks to this generous donation, the program is now fully funded through this season’s bookings and well into next year.

For more information about the "Ask Granny!" seminars, visit our VGS programs page, or email projects@victoriags.org.

 

VGS Seminar Now Expanded!

Posted 26 Oct 2011

Our annual VGS Seminar is scheduled for this coming Saturday, October 29, 9:30 to 4 pm at the VI Tech Park, Markham Road, Victoria BC. Free parking and a delicious lunch are included.

Our world renowned guest speaker, Lisa Louise Cooke, Family History Author, Speaker, and Media Producer of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, will be presenting 4 lectures on the amazing resources of Google and how you can take advantage of them for your genealogical research:

1. Google: Search Strategies & Tips
2. Google: A Goldmine of Genealogy Gems
3. Google Earth for Genealogy
4. How to Create Captivating Family History Tours with Google Earth

BUT WAIT - NOW THERE's MORE! ...

We've added a 5th lecture! Dave Obee will wrap up our day with a motivational talk, giving us tips and suggestions on how to take advantage of what we've learned during the day and offering encouraging words as we continue on our ancestral journey.

In summary, that's 5 lectures and a fabulous lunch. What are you waiting for? Register today by contacting Sarah (our registrar) at seminar@victoriags.org and she will hold a place for you (and this will also help us we can confirm numbers with our caterer ensuring we've ordered your lunch).

We still have a couple of spaces still for "Friday Evening with Lisa" - a special opportunity for VGS members to meet our guest, Lisa Louise Cooke, and her about some of her adventures in genealogy. Please see the attached registration form for more details.

Saturday, October 29th will see a great seminar!

 

VGS Supports Women's History Event

Posted 6 Oct 2011

On Sunday, October 2, 2011, the Victoria Genealogy Society participated in the Women's History event hosted by Merna Forster (heroines.ca) held at Emily Carr House in Victoria.  Merna Forster, an historian as well as a VGS member, launched her new book, 100 More Canadian Heroines: Famous and Forgotten Faces.

An excellent article with photos on this Heroines at Emily Carr House event has now been published on the artopenings.ca site.  It looks like Emily Carr herself was even in attendance!

Merna Forster will also be the special guest speaker at our upcoming October 13 VGS meeting - hope to see you there!

 

New and Improved Search Capability for VGS Library Catalogue

Posted 29 Sep 2011

On Monday, Sept 19, 2011, the Victoria Genealogical Society upgraded its library catalogue system to Eloquent Librarian 5.1, thanks to the hard work of Janice Mason and her technical team, including Claudia Boorman, and the able support staff of Eloquent Systems Ltd.

Thanks also to our busy library volunteers lead by Pat Acton, VGS Library Director. Special mention and thanks go to Diana Gaiger, Heather Shave, Susan Myerscough, Betty Thacker, Jo Little and Don Smith. As part of the system upgrade, the British Columbia section of material has been re-catalogued and more search words added.

The revamped search screen now has a brand new look, and offers improved search functions to help you find what you are looking for from our selection of almost 5000 books, CDs, journals, maps, and microforms. Users report that searches are often quicker and return more selections than before.

Try it out for yourselves - you're liable to discover some new treasures to explore further. Use the Search Catalogue Quick Link button above, (near the top of our VGS home page) or visit our VGS Resource Centre page and click on the Catalogue Search link.

 

VGS "Gadgets and Gizmos Open House - 17 Sep 2011

Posted 28 Sep 2011.  Submitted by Diana Gaiger, VGS Resource Centre & Volunteer Coordinator.

The Victoria Genealogical Society held its latest Resource Centre Open House on September 17, 2011, and was one of the best so far. A number of our members brought their gadgets and gizmos to share with others. The questions were flying with answers quickly following. I hear that a number of the people went straight from the open house to their favorite store to shop. Thank you to the members that brought items for display and demonstration. The time they took to spread their knowledge about these items was greatly appreciated by all.

We signed in 84 people between 10:45 am and 4 pm. There were 52 non-members which was wonderful. Out of those 52, 14 became new members. Two members renewed their membership. It was a social event but very soon all four computers were hunting down that lost family member with the help of one of a number of volunteers who stepped up to help the day go smoothly. As always we had a great variety of food donated by many to go with the tea and coffee. The door prizes this time were free registration to one of 3 upcoming workshops. The 3 winners were very pleased when phoned about their wins. The conversation never seemed to pause and laughter broke out at regular intervals.

Thank you to everyone who came and to all the members who took an active part in the day. Without the help of our great volunteers, the Resource Centre would not be the wonderful place that it is. Welcome to our new members and happy hunting.

 

VGS presents Ask Granny! seminar at Ross Place

Posted 22 Sep 2011 by Merv Scott, Project Director. Photo courtesy of Merv Scott.

On September 21, 2011, volunteers from the Victoria Genealogical Society presented yet another in their series of Ask Granny! seminars, this time at Ross Place Retirement Residence in Victoria. Ask Granny! is a seminar that was designed to provide senior citizens the opportunity to create a genealogical gift for their children. Ask Granny! is provided free to residents in retirement homes thanks to the generosity of the Victoria Genealogical Society membership.

We would like to thank Kelsey King the Recreation Coordinator at Ross Place for her support in hosting the event held at the lovely surroundings of Ross Place. A special thanks to the attendees as well as our volunteers. It was great fun.

Victoria Genealogical Society volunteers host an Ask Granny! seminar each month and are now fully booked thru till March 2012. Congratulations to all the volunteers involved.

For more information about the Ask Granny! seminars visit our VGS Programs page, or email projects@victoriags.org to arrange for an Ask Granny! seminar for your seniors.

 

New Youth Activity Book Now Available For Sale!

Posted 18 Sep 2011

The Victoria Genealogical Society has published a new genealogy book for youth, which will make a great gift this Christmas and any time of the year. Who’s in your family tree? A step-by-step guide for the detective in your family was written by our very own Merv Scott and is now available for sale at the Victoria Genealogical Society Resource Centre, 947 Alston Street, Victoria.

The book leads the reader through an introduction of genealogy with activities like filling in a family tree chart, interviewing their family, finding the origin of their surname on the internet, and more. The book also offers a write in (or email in) Youth Family History Research Challenge, where those entries selected will be published in our Victoria Genealogical Society Journal. The book comes with a 3 generation family tree chart and includes a 4 generation youth ancestor chart insert allowing the reader to take on the more challenging chart if they wish.

Support the Victoria Genealogical Society. The price is only $5.00 CAD (Canadian dollars). Taxes included. Postage and handling extra.

Visit our publications page for more information, a view of some sample pages in the book, and directions on how to order the book.

Family history societies and youth organizations take note! Your non-profit organization may be authorized to re-sell this book as part of your own fund raising campaign. Email projects@victoriags.org to request this authorization or for more information on our fund raising offer and volume discounts for bulk orders.

 

VGS Website Improvements Respond to Members Survey

Posted 8 Sep 2011  -  Submitted by Merv Scott, VGS Project Director

Have you checked out the VGS website lately? There certainly is a lot going on! We’ve been working to reconfigure the home page to make it easier for you to find things and see all the many things that VGS is doing.

On the home page is a new ‘Quick Links’ section (http://www.victoriags.org/index.htm) designed to address feedback we received in the on-line website survey we conducted that some important topics took too many clicks to get to.

Along with the recent addition of the new ‘Genealogy in the Classroom’ pages (http://www.victoriags.org/school/index.php) you may also notice a few other changes and improvements.

We’ve added a new ‘Youth’ button on the uppermost menu bar to give quick access to all these new pages. News is now front and center on the home page and can also be found under the “Home” button on the uppermost menu bar. All the information ‘About Us’ can still be accessed thru links in the home page’s introduction as well as by using the “About Us” button on the uppermost menu bar.

WeWe hope you like these changes and our efforts to keep your website informative as well as inviting and easy to use. Of course we thank Claudia Boorman, our tireless volunteer Webmaster who puts in an incredible amount of hours on our behalf to make all of this possible.

 

Genealogy in the Classroom is now available on-line!

Posted 2 Sept 2011

L-R: Merv Scott, Margaret Kirkpatrick, Claudia Boorman, Christina Thomas, Maureen Helmersen.

Over the past year, a small team of dedicated volunteers from the Victoria Genealogical Society (VGS) has been working hard to develop a fun and engaging way of introducing genealogy research tools and techniques to school-aged students. Their solution was Genealogy in the Classroom, a web-based resource for students and teachers, which is now available on-line from the VGS home page at www.victoriags.org. Click on the Genealogy in the Classroom button in the "Quick Links" menu on the left side of the page to visit our VGS school house, where you can then enter the school room of your choice.

Click on the Classroom for student activities or go to Teacher’s Corner for Teacher Guides and links to some teaching resources developed by others. All the printable charts and forms used in our activities can be found in the Supplies room. The other rooms in the VGS schoolhouse are also designed to introduce genealogy research tools and techniques to students. Click on the Family History Club and you will find a long list of fun activities and projects. Visit the Library and read some articles about genealogy research, or go to the Computer Lab where you can watch videos about genealogy. If it’s just games you want, then you should check out the Playground. There’s more, so look around our school house and remember to have fun with genealogy.

“Our team of volunteers has done an incredible job developing Genealogy in the Classroom” said Melanie Arscott, President of the Victoria Genealogical Society. “Our congratulations and thanks goes out to team members Margaret Kirkpatrick, Christina Thomas, Maureen Helmersen, Claudia Boorman (web developer) and Merv Scott (Project Director).”

For more information about Genealogy in the Classroom contact Merv at vgsprojectdirector@gmail.com.

Download our formal Genealogy in the Classroom News Release in PDF format for more details.

 

VGS Resource Centre: BC Re-Cataloguing Project

submitted by Diana Gaiger, VGS Volunteer Coordinator
posted 26 Aug 2011

Many members will know that some of our volunteers have been working very hard for a number of months now at re-cataloguing our British Columbia section of books. This has been a huge project as new categories were made for BC instead of using authors to shelve books. Now all books for a place will be found together.

Many thanks to Betty Thacker, Jo Little and Don Smith for their many donated hours to tag all 643 books with their new location. Heather Shave spent extended hours changing all the location and key search words in Eloquent, our catalogue database software. Jan Mason formatted and printed out the new card labels. Diane Clarke created new spine labels. The weekend of Aug 20th and 21st saw Betty Thacker, Jo Little, Lynn Davies, Diane Clark, Heather Shave, Bev Harvey and myself removing all the BC books, putting new spine labels and card labels in the book, then putting them back on the shelves in their new location.

OnOne of the great things that came out of this project was that I got to have a look at many of the books. As researchers and volunteers we all say that “when we have time” we will have a closer look at our extensive collection of books, but sadly many of us do not get around to doing this. I found an 1890 telephone exchange for New Westminster and Burrard Inlet. It is hard to believe that this tiny book was the start of today’s phone system for that area. There are too many wonderful books to name.

Please use our Eloquent catalogue system to check out what we have at the Resource Centre for all around the world. You can do this from your home at any time of day or night by visiting our online catalogue search page. Or come into the Resource Centre and have a good look at what we offer. You may find the answer to your brick wall!!!

Many thanks to our great volunteers for getting the first step in our re-cataloguing project done!

Children's Summer Program Schedule Updated -
SORRY, PROGRAM CANCELLED

posted 15 Jul 2011, updated 18 Aug 2011 - PROGRAM CANCELLED

The schedule for our children's summer program,  "Star in your own Detective Story!  Hands-on Genealogy for Kids in Grades 4 and 5", has now been updated.  Times have been switched to 2 afternoons a week, and each program lasts for 3 sessions.  Two programs are now scheduled to start July 28, 2011 and Aug 18, 2011.  For further details, please download our Detective Poster, in PDF format.

This is an excellent opportunity for children in grades 4 and 5.  Registration forms are available at the Resource Centre or by emailing vgsprojectdirector@gmail.com.

Space is limited, so please register early to avoid disappointment.

More information is available about this and other Programs and Services
offered by the Victoria Genealogical Society.

 

'Ask Granny!' seminar provided to "On the go again"

posted 1 Jul 2011 - Happy Canada Day!

On June 29, 2011, the Victoria Genealogical Society provided another 'Ask Granny!' seminar, this time to a group from "On the Go Again", a collaborative project of the Saanich Volunteers Services and Saanich Silver Threads. Twelve members of "On the Go Again" participated in the seminar as Victoria Genealogical Society member Merv Scott led them through the 'Ask Granny!' materials.

"This is the fourth 'Ask Granny!' seminar we've presented this year", said Merv, "and a total of 39 very special students have successfully completed the seminar". The next seminar is already booked for September.

For further information about 'Ask Granny!' email vgsprojectdirector@gmail.com or visit the VGS Programs page on this Victoria Genealogical Society's website.

 

The Victoria Genealogical Society takes ‘Ask Granny’ to Beechwood Village!

posted 22 Jun 2011 by Merv Scott, Project Director. Photo courtesy of Merv Scott.

On June 21, 2011, volunteers of the Victoria Genealogical Society provided another 'Ask Granny!'' seminar, this time to residents of Beechwood Village in Sidney. 'Ask Granny!' is a seminar that was designed to provide senior citizens the opportunity to create a genealogical gift for their children.

AA special thanks to the Victoria Genealogical Society’s volunteers who provided this seminar: Heather Shave, Diana aiger and Merv Scott.

For more information about the 'Ask Granny!' seminars visit our VGS Programs page, or email vgsprojectdirector@gmail.com to arrange for an Ask Granny seminar for your seniors.

 

When You Shop at Thrifty Foods You Can Support Our Library!

posted 18 Jun 2011

Thrifty Foods Smile Card Just by buying groceries, Thrifty's will contribute to the VGS Library fund

Thrifty Foods has approved the Victoria Genealogical Society’s application to participate in their Smile Card Fundraising Program again. We hope that you will support the Library Fund Raising Program and reactivate the Smile Card you previously received from the Victoria Genealogical Society, or pick up a new Card. Smile Cards are available at the VGS Resource Center and are free for members and non-members .

Thrifty Foods Smile Cards work like most other gift cards you may have seen, but when you ‘load’ money into your Smile Card, Thrifty’s makes a donation to our VGS Fund Raising drive for new books and subscriptions for our Library. Thrifty’s donation is equivalent to 5% of what you’ve ‘loaded’ or paid into your Smile Card….which clears up the misconception that your card is only loaded with 95% of what you paid and the other 5% was sent to VGS. False. Thrifty’s pays the 5% from their revenues which is a real win for you.

Even if you only shop at Thrifty’s occasionally you will be helping our Library.

Our Smile Card holders can pay by cash or credit card when they ‘load’ their Smile Card at the Customer Service counter or a cashier in any Thrifty’s store they shop. Remember to load your Smile Card before your groceries are rung in.

Members in the Thrifty’s loyalty program still collect points when they use the Smile Card to make a grocery purchase and the balance remaining on your Smile Card shows on the receipt. Smile Cards can be re-loaded so don’t throw them away!

IIf you have any questions about the Smile Card program, please contact Merv Scott at vgsprojectdirector@gmail.com - NOT Thrifty’s. Merv has a contact at Thrifty’s to sort out our questions.

 

Fun at the Victoria Highland Games

submitted by Susan Webb, VGS Events Coordinator
posted 30 May 2011

The 148TH VICTORIA HIGHLAND GAMES AND CELTIC FESTIVAL was held in Victoria BC on May 21st and 22nd, 2011, and the Victoria Genealogical Society was there. Susan Webb, our new and energetic VGS Events Coordinator, shares her impressions ...

"My relatives would be so proud. Actually, I don’t think any of the living relatives even know that we really have Scottish ancestry, but I do, and records to prove it. So, with that in mind, I was very anxious to volunteer for the Highland Games. I wanted to see what would be there, who would be there, what they were wearing, what they were eating, and more so wanted to talk to them. That we did….several volunteers joined me and others came throughout the day, both days, actually. I thought the weather was good: cloudy, but that was great. Parking is always a problem (something to realize and prepare for it). I arrived at 8:00 am and people had been there setting up since 6:00 already. There were no problems as a volunteer getting in the gates. We were made to feel very welcome. I was glad it wasn’t too hot and I went prepared for whatever would happen.

WWell, there was sheep herding and shearing and men, women and children who tossed the cabers and delightful youngsters who danced around the swords, even sword fighting. The kilts were beautiful and everyone of them had meaning….to someone, some special family….some Mc or Mac or Stewart or some “clan”. Hmmmm….made me think…..I must learn more about my “clan”. I missed the haggis hurling….is that because no one will eat it?  All kidding aside…I have had haggis and have lived to tell you. Now, the Malt Whisky School sounded interesting. I actually think they continued into the Sunday learning about it!!! It was great to wander around, listen to the bagpipes and see so many people having so much fun.

My thanks go to the volunteers of our society who represented us very well. It was a delightful two days. We met some interesting people and were able to provide them with the means of tracing their family, some ideas, and shared some of our wisdom and expertise. We heard some great Scottish jokes and shared some wonderful stories. It was a most interesting day.

Will I do it again next year? You bet I will. Will you join me? I hope so….."

 

Summer Youth Program Announced!  Registration now open.

posted 11 May 201

The Victoria Genealogical Society is proud to announce that a new Youth Program will be provided this summer.

Star in your own Detective Story!: Hands-on Genealogy for Kids in Grades 4-5 will feature fun-style, hands-on activities to provide youngsters with a basic understanding of beginning genealogy. Activities will include finger printing, guessing games, crafting a timeline, collecting family stories and names, computer videos, and assembling a detective’s take-home toolkit.

All sessions will be held at the Victoria Genealogical Society Resource Centre, 947 Alston Street, Victoria.  Each series is held over a 3-week period:

• Detective Adventure 1: July 13, 20, 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• DDetective Adventure 2: August 3, 10, 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Fee: $35, detective tools included (payable by cash or cheque).

Registration forms are available at the Resource Centre or by emailing vgsprojectdirector@gmail.com.

Space is limited, so please register early to avoid disappointment.

Download a copy of this information as a Detective Poster in PDF format.
More information is available about this and other Programs and Services offered by the Victoria Genealogical Society.

 

Happy Mothers Day

posted 8 May 2011

Today it's important to celebrate our mothers, the heart of our families.  Obviously, families are especially important to genealogists, as we strive to preserve our family histories, stories and heritage.  So treasure your Mom while she is still on this earth, and  honour her memory if not, every day, not just on Mothers Day.

The following poem is currently doing the rounds on Facebook in honour of Mothers Day, and is so appropriate to share with you here.  It's enough to bring tears to your eyes:

"If you have a Mom in Heaven:

If flowers grow in heaven Lord, then pick a bunch for me
place them in my Mother's arms and tell her they're from me.
Tell her that I love and miss her, and when she turns to smile,
ღ place a kiss from me upon her cheek and hold her for a while.
I Love You Mom...
Miss you"

So to all Moms everywhere, Happy Mother's Day!

 

Flowers fro VGS Research Volunteer

posted 3 May 2011

Our VGS Resource Centre is certainly becoming a busy and productive place, with many members and visiting guests finding new information about their family, and receiving help in their genealogy research from our capable and friendly volunteers.  Here is our latest success story, submitted by Diana Gaiger, our VGS Volunteer Coordinator.

Pictured here with the roses and the pages of newly found family information are Diana and, Bob who was very pleased with the information gathered by Diana. The objective was to find a grave in Scotland so that a lady's ashes can be laid to rest with her father this coming September.

Diana believes that these are the first flowers presented to one of our researchers for the  work and assistance that they have provided.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness Bob. Glad that we could help you!

 

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