Hidden Gems of Canadian Genealogy Online
Summary DetailsLength: 60 minutes
Summary: Ancestry and FamilySearch are just the beginning. This presentation introduces free Canadian resources that are often overlooked, including provincial archives, university collections, and community projects. Discover how to access these digital collections, find records beyond the major database platforms, and expand your research with valuable sources at no cost.
Audience Level: Beginner -Expert
Requirements: Projection for computer on a large screen; internet connection
Content: 4-page PDF handout
Outline
Many researchers start their Canadian family history research with popular sites like Ancestry and FamilySearch, but these platforms only scratch the surface. A treasure trove of free resources—some unique and often overlooked—can help fill in the gaps in your research. Check out provincial archives, university special collections, and local community projects that have digitized valuable historical records. From Ontario land petitions and Quebec notarial acts to Newfoundland newspapers, prairie photographs, and community-driven cemetery transcriptions, these sources can open up new avenues for discovery.
Discover effective methods to find and utilise these collections, even with limited search tools, and learn how to combine them with commercial databases for more comprehensive and precise family history research. A brief case study demonstrates how merging free resources from various institutions can reveal details that are unavailable elsewhere. Whether you're researching early settlers, immigrants, or community members in small towns, this session will show you how to expand your research toolkit without spending a fortune. By the end, you’ll be equipped with knowledge of key online resources and practical strategies to uncover hidden gems in Canadian genealogy.
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Click HERE to have me present this webinar either through your group’s virtual meeting platform or my StreamYard platform. Includes 45-50 minutes of instruction plus 10-15 Q&A session, PDF handout and a limited time (one year) webinar recording.
