Ottawa Family History Resources

A couple of days ago I was in the Centrepointe library and found the genealogy news section looking forlorn. It seems to reflect a decision on the part of local groups that this display isn't a priority, likely itself reflecting a lack of volunteers. Will there be consequences in membership? Likely.

Last week I had the opportunity to speak to a local Kiwanis group about researching family history. They treated me well and I enjoyed the evening. Most members weren 't aware of the opportunities in the Ottawa area. Hopefully I planted some seeds, one or more of which may germinate.

For the Kiwanis I stitched together the following, on one page. Yes, it omits some groups and resources, but may be helpful to those starting out who happen to stray here.

British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO): www.bifhsgo.ca
The purpose of the Society is to encourage and facilitate research and its publication by people with ancestry in the British Isles; that is, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. Members enjoy: copies of the Society's award winning quarterly journal, Anglo-Celtic Roots; ten monthly family history meetings, (speaker, questions & answers) each of two hours duration, held on the second Saturday of the month, in the morning, at Library and Archives Canada; access to the Society's extensive Library for personal research; access to a database of family names researched within our Society; discounted registration fees for our annual conference; free query and advisory services; family history courses and seminars; and, erhaps most important, particularly for new members, is the opportunity to meet friendly people who share an interest and want to help others to learn to research and share family history.

Canadian Genealogy Centre, Library and Archives Canada: www.genealogy.gc.ca
Exists to facilitate the discovery of our roots and family histories as a basic part of our Canadian heritage, and to encourage the use of genealogy and the resources available in libraries and archives as tools for life-long learning. Professionally staffed five days a week the Canadian Genealogy Centre helps users make the most of the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) collection. They provide, for example: the opportunity to consult with a professional; tips and advice on how to conduct genealogical research using different types of records and publications in various formats; help in using research tools; help in consulting specialized genealogical databases; referrals to other special LAC collections.

Ottawa Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society: http://ogsottawa.on.ca
One of 30 Branches of the OGS, the Ottawa Branch is “responsible” for Carleton, Lanark, Renfrew, Prescott and Russell Counties in Ontario. The Branch consists of members who seek and share information about family history searching. Its mission is “To encourage, assist and bring together all those interested in the pursuit of family history.” Ottawa Branch can help to “grow” your family trees and to discover new “branches” and will warmly welcome you as a guest at one of our monthly meetings, held September to June on the third Tuesday of the month in the evening at Library and Archives Canada. Membership in the Ottawa Branch provides you with five issues of The Ottawa Genealogist annually.

Ottawa Public Library: http://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/main/interest/learn/genealogy
Offers comprehensive information and advice on starting your genealogy, using the genealogy collections; accessing genealogy services including free access to the most comprehensive database, Ancestry, at all OPL branches; and learning about local resources. You may book a free personal one hour consultation, and attend frequent presentations on various aspects of genealogy.

Ottawa Stake (LDS) Family History Center: www.ottawastakefhc.on.ca
The FHC serves the local community with a collection of approximately 1,500 microfilms, 50,000 microfiches, and 1,500 books, magazines and maps and provides access to the world’s largest collection of genealogical resources through loans from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Open Tuesday – Saturday knowledgeable volunteer staff are there to show you the ropes and how to benefit from their facilities.