OPL Winter 2018 Genealogy Events

Here's advance notice of three events in February, one in March, being organized by the Ottawa Public Library in the Genealogy series. That's in addition to those being presented by OPL staff.

Thursday, February 1, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The Barber Family: an Ottawa Story
Born into slavery in Kentucky, Paul Barber became a respected horse man who not only trained the horses of Ottawa’s elite but showed veterinarian abilities and was himself a skilled horse racer. One of Ottawa’s earliest Black permanent residents, he founded a family that  still thrives here. Join us as Paul’s grandson, award-winning Ottawa Black historian Thomas Barber, shares the story of his family and its place in Ottawa’s history.
Main, 120 Metcalfe, Auditorium

Wednesday, February 7, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Find Your Ancestors in Church Records

Church records of all denominations can be a treasure trove for genealogists.  Gloria Tubman will discuss these valuable records and their place in family history research.  Discover the information that is available from the record of a church rite, regardless of location, and learn some further clues to get the most from church records.

Carlingwood, 281 Woodroffe

Wednesday, February 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Black History Month Documentary Screening

Enjoy two short documentaries: Simply the Best, the story of Ottawa union activist Cal Best; and Welcome to Dresden: Jim Crow Lived Here Too, set in Dresden, Ontario.  Followed by a panel discussion with Arthur Carkner, producer of Simply the Best, and Sarah Onyango, Black History Ottawa.

Greenboro, 363 Lorry Greenberg

Monday, March 19, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Finding Birth Families: Genealogy and Adoption Research
How can adoptees and birth families find each other? Genetic genealogy and traditional research sources both play a role in tracing long-lost relatives.  Monica Byrne, Parent Finders Ottawa, will discuss adoption in Ontario and the resources of Parent Finders.  Mags Gaulden, Grandma’s Genes, will illustrate the uses of DNA testing for adoption research.
Cumberland, 1599 Tenth Line.

Registration is required for all these.
Thanks to Romaine Honey for the information. See the full genealogy program here,