LOOKING4ANCESTORS

What to Do After RootsTech: Turn Conference Ideas into a Research Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:23:00 +0000

Attended RootsTech this year? Here are four practical steps to help you turn conference inspiration into genealogy progress.

RootsTech is one of the most exciting events in the genealogy community. For a few days, we immerse ourselves in new ideas, tools, and research strategies.

But when the conference ends, many genealogists wonder what to do next.

Here’s a simple way to turn your RootsTech inspiration into meaningful progress in your family history research.

If you attended RootsTech this year, either in person or online, you’re probably feeling both energized and slightly overwhelmed.

That’s completely normal.

RootsTech is packed with new ideas, tools, record collections, and research strategies. Over the course of just a few days, genealogists are exposed to a huge amount of information. It’s exciting, but it can also leave you wondering:

Where do I even begin?

The true value of RootsTech lies in what you do after the conference ends.

Instead of letting those great ideas sit in a notebook or browser bookmark folder, take a little time to turn that inspiration into a research plan.

Step 1: Review Your Notes

Begin by gathering everything you collected during the conference.

This might include:

Session notes
Screenshots of slides
Links to websites or record collections
Books or resources mentioned by presenters
Research ideas you quickly scribbled down

Spend 15–20 minutes looking through your notes while the sessions are still fresh in your mind. Highlight the ideas that seem most relevant to your own family history research.

You do not need to follow up on everything. RootsTech offers far more information than anyone can realistically use at once.

Instead, focus on the ideas that directly relate to your current research questions.

Step 2: Choose One Research Goal

One of the biggest mistakes genealogists make after a conference is trying to do too much at once. Instead, pick one specific research goal inspired by something you learned. For example:

Searching for a church record mentioned in a session
Exploring a new database for immigration records
Looking for land records for a particular ancestor
Applying a research strategy that could help break down a brick wall

A clear goal helps turn a general idea into a practical next step.

Step 3: Create a Simple Research Plan

Once you have a goal, write down a short plan for how you will achieve it.

Ask yourself:

What records should I search first?
Which archives or databases might contain the information?
What do I already know about this ancestor or family?
What evidence am I aiming to find?

Even a simple research plan can significantly help keep your research focused and productive.

Step 4: Schedule Time to Follow Through

Finally, and this is the step that really makes a difference, set aside time to work on your research.

Block off an hour or two this week and start exploring one of the ideas you discovered during RootsTech.

Inspiration is wonderful, but progress happens when we actually sit down and do the research.

RootsTech is designed to spark new ideas and possibilities. The real breakthroughs happen afterwards when you apply what you've learned to your own family history.

So review your notes, select one idea, and get started.
You might be surprised by what you discover.

I'm hosting a webinar next week about this topic, After RootsTech, Now What? Click here for more information and to register.

The Clues Hiding in Family Letters and Postcards

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Image created by ChatGPT 5.2, 8 Feb 2026.

What letters and postcards can tell us

Official records show what happened. Correspondence often reveals what life was actually like.
Family letters and postcards can reveal:

relationships between family members
nicknames and familiar forms of address
maiden names and in-laws
migration and travel patterns
addresses and workplaces
births, marriages, illnesses, and deaths
everyday life details that never appear in official records

A postcard might show someone in a city on a certain day. A letter could explain why a family moved, describe a new job, or mention relatives you’ve never heard of.

Even a few lines of writing can add important pieces to your family story.

Where to look for family correspondence

Start close to home.
Many families still have letters and postcards stored in:

attics and basements
photo albums and scrapbooks
memory boxes and old trunks
greeting card collections
recipe boxes or desk drawers

Ask relatives. There’s often one person in each family who keeps everything — photographs, documents, and letters. You might be surprised by what appears when you ask.

Correspondence can also be found in:

local archives and historical societies
military service files
manuscript collections
estate sales and antique markets
digital collections online

But the most important collections are often still in private hands.

Reading correspondence like a genealogist

When you look at letters and postcards as research sources, you start to see them differently.
Ask questions like:

Who wrote this?
Who received it?
Where was it sent from?
What events are mentioned?
What clues appear in the postmark or address?

Look for:

names and relationships
locations and travel references
occupations and workplaces
mentions of neighbours, friends, or relatives

Even small details can become important clues later.

Letters and postcards capture something that’s rarely seen in genealogical research: personality.
They show humour, worry, affection, and everyday life. They remind us that our ancestors were not just names in records; they were people who wrote home, stayed in touch, and shared their lives through the mail.
That’s why correspondence is important in family history.

This week, try one small step:

ask a relative about old letters or postcards
look through one storage box or album
scan one piece of correspondence
write down the story connected to it

Family history often begins with a single document, and sometimes, that document is a letter.
You never know what story is waiting inside an envelope.

*********

Want to explore this topic further?

This topic is also available as a webinar presentation for genealogical societies and family history groups. In the presentation, I walk through real examples of letters, postcards, and telegrams and show how to analyze them for genealogical evidence.

If your society is looking for a practical, engaging program, visit my webinar speaker page.

Why 1926 Belongs on Your Genealogy Research Plan This Year

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 22:48:00 +0000

1926 Toronto street scene created by ChatGPT.

For genealogists, January is the perfect time to reset our research habits and concentrate on work that deepens our understanding rather than just adding more names to a family tree. This year, I encourage you to make that goal concrete in a single, unexpectedly powerful year: 1926.

It was the birth year of Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe, and Canadian operatic legend Jonathan Stewart Vickers—cultural icons who remind us how one generation can quietly influence the world it inherits. Chances are, someone in your family was also born around that time. A century later, their lives sit at the intersection of living memory and archival record, making them ideal for genealogical research.

People born in 1926 belonged to the Silent Generation. They grew up during the economic hardships of the Great Depression, came of age during the shadow of the Second World War, raised families in the postwar boom, and witnessed significant technological advances. Their lives often span various record environments, including civil registration, census schedules, wartime documentation, urban expansion, and cross-border mobility, offering opportunities for correlation and interpretation.

Instead of viewing this as a scavenger hunt for documents, approach it as a focused research project with specific questions and supporting evidence.

1. Reevaluate the birth event using accessible evidence. For a 1926 birth in Canada, most researchers will not have direct access to the provincial birth registration because of privacy laws and closure periods. Unless the family already holds a copy, you’ll need to think more creatively about reconstructing the birth event using indirect or substitute sources. Start with baptism or church records, obituary details, cemetery records, family Bibles, funeral home files, and contemporary newspaper birth notices. Pay close attention to informants, sponsors, clergy, addresses, and institutional affiliations; these often indicate extended kinship networks and community ties. Mapping the birth or early residence and studying local conditions, transportation routes, and nearby institutions can reveal social and economic contexts even when civil registration remains inaccessible. This is an excellent exercise in evidence evaluation and correlation rather than record chasing.

2. Examine childhood through census and community records. A Canadian child born in 1926 might be listed in the 1931 census. Don’t just gather names and ages — study household structures, radio ownership, housing types, occupation trends, and neighbours. Cross-reference this with city directories, school registers, confirmation lists, or reports of juveniles in newspapers. These records help you reconstruct daily life during the Depression instead of merely documenting survival.

3. Track mobility deliberately. The 1930s and 1940s saw significant internal migration and cross-border movement. City directories can reveal yearly address changes and early employment details. Border crossings, passenger lists, and naturalization records often appear even for brief moves between Ontario, Quebec, and nearby U.S. states. Visual mapping often uncovers migration patterns that timelines alone cannot show.

4. Place wartime experience in local context. Someone born in 1926 would have reached late adolescence as the Second World War ended. Some enlisted late; others registered, trained, or worked in wartime industries. Canadian service files, regimental histories, veterans’ organizations, and local honour rolls provide context even when no active service occurred. The absence of service can itself raise useful research questions.

5. Use newspapers as a narrative framework. Newspapers are often the most valuable source for this generation. Look for engagement announcements, sports involvement, business ventures, labour activities, graduations, accidents, and civic participation. Don’t stop at a single clipped article. Browse multiple issues across several years and read beyond the isolated surname hit. When you follow a person through recurring newspaper mentions, patterns of identity, social networks, and community standing begin to emerge.

6. Catalogue occupational and institutional records. Union memberships, professional licensing, land transactions, business registrations, and church governance records reveal economic stability and social networks. These sources help move your analysis from vital events to lived experiences.

7. Capture memories before they fade. If your 1926-born ancestor is still alive, or if those who knew them well are living, focus on recording oral histories now. Ask about routines, neighbourhoods, schooling, early jobs or careers, wartime experiences, and migration stories. Digitize photographs, letters, report cards, recipe cards, and marginal notes. These fragile materials rarely survive without careful care.

Understanding what life was like in 1926 strengthens every interpretive decision you make. Radio ownership was expanding. Automobiles changed mobility. Women navigated shifting social expectations after suffrage. Economic optimism would soon clash with Depression realities. Context turns records into evidence.

Instead of setting a vague goal to “do more genealogy,” choose a project that improves your critical thinking. Let 1926 serve as an entry point into deeper analysis, fuller narratives, and more disciplined research techniques. A century might separate you from that birth year, but thoughtful methods clearly connect those lives to today.

***

Author’s Note: I used artificial intelligence (AI) as a drafting tool while developing this article, but the idea, direction, and final content are my own. Every paragraph was carefully reviewed, edited, and refined by me before publication.

Smarter Genealogy: Strategies That Go Beyond the Search Box

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:03:00 +0000

A four-week winter workshop for genealogists who want clearer answers, stronger evidence, and a research process that actually works.

You know there’s more to good genealogy than typing a name into a search box. This Winter Workshop is designed to help you slow down, think critically, and build a research process that leads to real progress—not just more records.

Smarter Genealogy is a live, instructor-led workshop that focuses on how to research, not just where to click. Over four weeks, you’ll learn practical, repeatable strategies you can apply to every research problem, no matter where your ancestors lived.

What You’ll Learn (Key Benefits)

Build a clear, evidence-based research process you can use again and again
Learn how to read documents for hidden clues, not just surface facts.
Discover smarter ways to use newspapers as a research tool, not just a name finder.
Create an organized digital workflow that saves time and reduces overwhelm.
Gain confidence in interpreting records instead of second-guessing your conclusions.

This is about working smarter, not harder.

What’s Included

Four live, 2-hour workshop sessions (with replay access)
Guided instruction with real examples and practical strategies
Downloadable worksheets and tools to support your research
Structured learning that builds week by week. No random tips or shortcuts
A calm, supportive learning environment focused on skill-building

Workshop Sessions

Beyond Click & Search – Building a Solid Genealogy Research Process
Hidden Clues in the Margins – Interpreting Documents for What They Don’t Say
Unearthing Family History in Newspapers
Mastering Your Online Genealogy Workflow

Who This Workshop Is For
This workshop is ideal if you:
- feel stuck despite having “lots of records.”
- want to strengthen your research skills and methodology.
- are tired of jumping from website to website without a plan.
- prefer thoughtful, step-by-step instruction over quick hacks
Best suited for beginner-to-intermediate genealogists, but experienced researchers will also benefit from refining their process.

Dates & Time

Dates: February 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm Eastern
Length: 2 hours per session
Format: Live online sessions with replay available

Meet Your Instructor

Kathryn Lake Hogan is a professional genealogist, educator, and speaker behind Looking4Ancestors. She specializes in Canadian family history and is known for her clear, methodical teaching style and practical approach to research. Kathryn teaches genealogists how to think critically about records, ask better questions, and build evidence-based conclusions—without overwhelm or guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to attend live?
Live attendance is encouraged, but registered attendees will have access to sessions replays.

Is this Canada-specific?
While Kathryn specializes in Canadian research, the strategies taught apply to all genealogical research.

Is this a lecture or hands-on?
This is structured instruction with practical examples and guided application. It's designed to help you actually use what you learn.

Will I get handouts?
Yes. Worksheets and tools are included to support your learning.

Ready to Work Smarter?

If you’re ready to move beyond the search box and finally feel confident in your research process, this workshop is for you.

👉 Save Your Spot: Register for Smarter Genealogy – Winter Workshop 2026

Clear strategies. Stronger research. Smarter genealogy.

From Loose Ends to Clear Next Steps: A New Year’s Eve Research Reset

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 03:18:00 +0000

A guided New Year’s Eve research session to help you focus, plan, and move forward with confidence.

New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be loud, sparkly, or exhausting. This year, you’re invited to do something much more rewarding: organize your genealogy research so it’s focused, well-structured, and ready to move forward.

The Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Research Party is an informal, stress-free genealogy session designed for family historians who want to end the year intentionally and start the new one with momentum. This isn’t a lecture. It’s not a challenge that overwhelms you with tasks. And it’s certainly not a repeat of earlier planning exercises.

Instead, this event allows you to pause, reflect, and make smart decisions about where your research is headed next by leveraging what you already know, what you have already gathered, and what still needs attention.

You’ll be guided step-by-step through a structured research reset that turns loose ends into actionable next steps. By the time the clock strikes midnight (or close enough), you’ll have a clear research anchor for January and beyond.

Here’s what you’ll learn and benefit from:

How to identify the ONE research focus that matters most right now
No more scattered to-do lists or guilt over unfinished lines.
How to assess what you already have and what’s actually missing
Learn to spot true research gaps instead of chasing new records blindly.
How to turn unresolved questions into clear, testable research goals
Move from “I should work on this” to “Here’s my next logical step.”
How to create a realistic, flexible research plan for January
One that fits your life, energy, and available time.
How to carry momentum forward with a Research Anchor summary
You’ll leave with a written reference you can return to whenever you feel stuck.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned researcher, this New Year’s Eve event offers something rare: calm, clarity, and confidence in your genealogy journey.

Start the New Year knowing exactly where you’re going in your family history and why.

Yes, You Can Still Join the 12 Days of Looking4Ancestors

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:20:00 +0000

**Yes, You Can Still Join The 12 Days of Looking4Ancestors!**

The holiday season has a way of slowing us down and speeding us up at the same time. In between the baking, the errands, and the gatherings, many of us feel that little tug — the reminder that our family history is never far from our hearts.

That tug is precisely why I created The 12 Days of Looking4Ancestors.

Each December, I guide my community through a gentle, festive genealogy challenge designed to help you connect with your Canadian ancestors in small, meaningful steps. And if you’re just hearing about it now, I have excellent news:

✨ You can still join us — and you won’t be behind.
Not even a little.

🎁 What Happens When You Join

Every day of the challenge, you’ll receive:

A short, cozy email introducing the day’s task
A beautifully branded worksheet to help you take action
A quick video guiding you through what to do
A little encouragement from me to keep you moving forward

These tasks are simple, joyful, and fit into even the busiest December day: digitizing a few photos, analyzing one document, writing down a memory, or exploring a migration record. Nothing overwhelming. Just steady, meaningful progress.

And because each day stands on its own, you can join right now and work through the remaining days or go back to earlier ones whenever it suits you.

Why It’s Perfectly Okay to Join Late

In fact, it might be ideal.

Many participants tell me they enjoy choosing their own order, focusing on the days that resonate most with them, and spreading the challenge across the month. This isn’t a race, it’s an invitation. A way to reconnect with stories that matter, at a pace that works for you.

Ready to Join In?

I would absolutely love to have you with us.

👉 Click here to sign up

You’ll get access to all previous days plus everything still to come.

Let’s make this season both meaningful and memorable, and uncover a few new clues about your ancestors along the way.

See you inside The 12 Days of Looking4Ancestors!

What the 1921 and 1931 Censuses Reveal About Everyday Life

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:19:00 +0000

Image created by ChatGPT, an OpenAI product, 2025.

When many family historians examine a census record, their eyes immediately focus on the basics: names, ages, occupations, and birthplaces. It’s easy to see these records as little more than lists of facts. However, the 1921 and 1931 Canadian censuses offer much more. With a careful eye, you can uncover hints about how your ancestors lived during a period of significant change in Canada’s history.

By the time the 1921 census was taken, Canada was still recovering from the First World War and the devastating impact of the Spanish flu pandemic. Families were rebuilding their lives in both rural and urban communities. Ten years later, the 1931 census was recorded during the early years of the Great Depression. Work was scarce, household finances were strained, and many families had to adapt to new economic realities. These changing times were reflected in the questions asked in the census. Enumerators recorded information about housing, employment, immigration, and even whether the household owned a radio.

Housing information from the 1921 and 1931 censuses is especially revealing. Questions about whether your ancestor owned or rented their home provide insight into their financial situation. Additional columns can tell you whether the home was mortgaged or free of debt. The type of dwelling also matters. A farmhouse, an apartment in a city, or a single-family house can all suggest different kinds of living conditions.

Information about your ancestor’s occupation and employment adds more details to your family’s everyday life. Was your ancestor employed full-time? Were they out of work but actively seeking employment? Did multiple members of the household work outside the home? These clues reveal how families adapted to economic challenges. A household with several working adults may indicate economic necessity, while one with only one wage earner may reflect different circumstances or opportunities.

Migration and birthplace data can reveal patterns of family movement. You may notice that a family living in Ontario in 1931 originally came from the Maritimes, Quebec, or even the United States. These movements often reflect broader historical trends, such as migration to cities for factory jobs or return migration to family farms during the Depression. Following these clues can help you trace your family’s journey through time and space.

To make the most of these census records, don’t focus only on your ancestor’s household. Look at the whole neighbourhood or community. Did multiple families share a surname or occupation? Were other relatives living nearby? Who were the neighbours? Examining these details can help you identify extended family members in close-knit ethnic or cultural communities. Sometimes, these patterns reveal connections that are not obvious in other records.

Try approaching the 1921 and 1931 censuses more effectively by first looking at your ancestor's household, paying attention to every column, not just names and dates. Then, look at the other households on the page or better yet, five (or more) pages before and after. This will help you place your ancestor's household within their community. Lastly, take time to consider the broader context behind these facts. What was happening historically and economically in their city, town or region?

When you read between the lines, a census record becomes much more than a list of names. It becomes a snapshot revealing both the challenges and opportunities of a family's everyday life. These details can further guide your research and deepen your understanding of your family history.

The Tanned Turkey

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:53:00 +0000

Image created by ChatGPT 5.0, 2025.

Family traditions aren’t always perfect, but they’re always memorable.

As we celebrate another Thanksgiving, I’ve been thinking about the family stories that make us laugh year after year. Some involve long-lost ancestors, and others, well… involve culinary experiments gone terribly wrong. This is the story of the Tanned Turkey.

I’m not sure if it was Thanksgiving or not, but it seems fitting to share now. My brother was about ten years old when he asked Mom if he could make a turkey for dinner. Wanting to encourage his cooking endeavours and perhaps enjoy a break from cooking herself, Mom agreed.

Off he went into the kitchen, chopping, measuring, and mixing ingredients for the stuffing and the turkey. With a bit of help from Mom, he stuffed the bird and proudly slid it into the oven, quite satisfied with his accomplishment.

Before long, the mouthwatering aroma of roasting turkey filled the house. My brother checked on his creation often, opening the oven door to baste it carefully. When asked how things were going, he cheerfully replied, “Great!”

Finally, Mom announced that the turkey was ready. We all trooped into the kitchen as she lifted the roasting pan from the oven and placed it on the counter. That’s when we noticed something odd.

The turkey looked like it had one too many tanning pills. It glowed with an orange-y, fake-tan colour. “Turkey isn't supposed to look like that,” I thought to myself. "Ewww, it's orange!" I said, pointing out the obvious.

Mom asked my brother what he had put in the stuffing. “Some of this, some of that, and some Lawry’s® seasoning salt,” he said proudly.

If you’ve ever used that brand, you’ll recall its bright orange colour.

“Oh,” said Mom slowly, trying to hide her concern. “Well, let’s try some before you make the gravy.”

My brother eagerly agreed. Mom carved off a few slices and handed each of us a piece. One bite later, our smiles faded—it was unbelievably salty.

Trying not to crush his feelings, Mom gently asked how much seasoning salt he had used. “I think it called for half a cup,” he replied confidently.

“Half a cup!” Mom gasped. “I think you misread the recipe; it probably said half a teaspoon!”

My poor brother. He had tried so hard. Unfortunately, that much seasoning salt had done more than preserve the bird; it had just about mummified it.

Even so, that bright orange turkey has become one of my favourite family memories. Every Thanksgiving since, we’ve shared the story, laughing together about the Tanned Turkey that was just a little too seasoned.

This year, as I give thanks, I’m grateful not just for good food but for family stories like this one that remind us that even our mishaps can become beloved traditions.

Updated, 2025. Originally published on George Family Gleanings, 2014.

What’s in a Column? Decoding 19th-Century Canadian Census Clues

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:14:00 +0000

Image created by ChatGPT 5.0 by OpenAI, 2025.

Have you ever scrolled through a Canadian census record and wondered why the government cared so much about a person’s “origin” or whether they could read and write? You’re not alone. Those neat little columns, stretching across the page, hold far more meaning than most family history researchers realize. Between 1871 and 1901, as Canada evolved from a young Dominion into a modern nation, each census reflected what the government wanted to learn about its people.

In 1871, the first national census after Confederation laid the foundation. Enumerators asked about birthplace, religion, occupation and agriculture. The goal was to understand who made up the country and their contributions to the economy. By 1881, the population had expanded westward, and new questions emerged. Census takers not only recorded the birthplace of each individual but also their racial or ethnic origins, reflecting the country's increasing cultural diversity.

The 1891 census further refined these details by including “relationship to head of household,” a column in this census that genealogists now rely on to understand the family structure in their ancestral households. Then, in 1901, the census reached a significant milestone. For the first time, Canadians were asked to provide their exact birth dates, their race by colour and the year of immigration and naturalization.

Often, we focus on finding the right name in the right place at the right time. However, the real discoveries happen when we read between the lines. The columns in the census records reveal details of each individual and the makeup of a household. Collectively, these questions tell the story of how our Canadian society shaped its identity and tracked its progress.

When we learn to read the census in context, it becomes more than a list of names. It becomes a window into the lives of our Canadian ancestors.

Can I Take Just One Part of the Canadian Census Course?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:45:00 +0000

Last week, I received a great question from Sue, who wrote:

"Your Canadian census course looks really interesting, but my ancestors weren’t in Canada until 1873. I don’t need the first two weeks of the course. Is it possible to take just one or two parts instead of the whole course?"

Sue’s question really made me stop and think. Not everyone’s family history follows the same path. Some researchers may only need to explore early census records like those in New France, while others might be most interested in the later ones. That’s the beauty of family history—it’s always personal and unique.

Up until now, I’ve structured my course, From Habitants to Households: Mastering Canadian Census Records from New France to 1931, as a four-part series that builds chronologically. We begin with the earliest lists and schedules (1842–1861), move into the Confederation years (1871–1891), then cover the early 20th century (1901–1911), and finally wrap up with the 1921 and 1931 censuses. Many students have found that working through the whole sequence gives them the deepest context.

But Sue’s point is an excellent one. If your ancestors arrived in Canada, say in the 1600s or early 1800s, you might not need to spend as much time on later census records. And if your family didn’t arrive until the 20th century, you may only need to focus on the most recent censuses.

That’s why I’ve decided to open up registration for individual sessions on Thursday evenings. You can now sign up for the parts of the course that are most relevant to your research. Want to focus on Pre-Confederation censuses, or the 1871 through 1891 censuses? You can. Need more depth on New France and early Quebec or 1921 and 1931? That’s possible too.

Spaces are limited. Save your spot in the week you want now!

Week 1: Founding Families and Feudal Frameworks (1666–1825) New France & Quebec

Discover the earliest Canadian census records. Learn how to analyze settlement patterns, interpret seigneurial obligations, and decode occupational terminology. We’ll also explore how census entries connect with parish registers and notarial acts to reconstruct early families.

Week 2: Pre-Confederation Censuses in British North America (1825–1861) Upper Canada, Lower Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland

Dive into the fragmented and sometimes frustrating pre-Confederation censuses. You’ll gain strategies for working with incomplete or head-of-household-only returns, missing districts, and gaps in the records. Parish, land, and tax records will help you fill in what the censuses leave out.

Week 3: Enumerating a New Nation (1871–1901)

With Confederation came new federal censuses, offering more detail than ever before. Learn how to leverage occupations, property data, and special schedules to track families across provinces, follow generational change, and uncover hidden stories about your Canadian ancestors.

Week 4: Modernizing a Nation (1911–1931)

Step into the 20th century as Canadian census records reveal urbanization, immigration, and social change. In this session, you’ll learn how to pair census entries with directories, maps, and voter lists to create fuller narratives about your ancestors in this transformative period.

Spaces are limited. Save your spot now!

From Habitants to Households: Mastering Canadian Census Records from New France to 1931

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:21:00 +0000

Why Census Records Matter in Family History

Census records are the backbone of genealogical research. They don’t just list names, they capture families in context, showing relationships, occupations, landholdings, and community ties. For anyone tracing Canadian ancestors, census records are indispensable. They reveal migration patterns, social change, and the everyday details that bring your family history to life.

A New Four-Part Canadian Census Course

I’m thrilled to invite you to my brand-new four-part research course, From Habitants to Households: Mastering Canadian Census Records from New France to 1931. This in-depth course is a deep dive into nearly 300 years of census history, from the earliest enumerations in New France to the comprehensive federal census of 1931.

Each session combines historical background, record interpretation, and practical strategies. By the end of the series, you’ll have the skills to:

Confidently navigate census collections online and in archives
Recognize the quirks and limitations of enumerators and record-keepers
Correlate census data with other records to build stronger genealogical proof

Understand your ancestors place within their community
Extract maximum value from every census page

What You’ll Learn in Each Session

Session 1: Founding Families and Feudal Frameworks (1666–1825)

Session 2: Pre-Confederation Censuses in British North America (1825–1861)

Session 3: Enumerating a New Nation (1871–1901)

Session 4: Modernizing a Nation (1911–1931)

Who Should Attend

This research course is designed for genealogists of all levels. Beginners will find a structured path into Canadian census research, while experienced researchers will gain advanced tips and strategies for extracting deeper meaning from familiar records.

Flexibility matters, especially when it comes to learning. That’s why I’m offering From Habitants to Households: Mastering Canadian Census Records from New France to 1931 at three different times:

Thursday at noon – perfect for those on the West Coast, international participants, or those who aren't "morning people."
Thursday evenings – ideal for North American researchers after work.

Each session offers the same four-part research course experience, giving you the freedom to choose what works for your schedule.

To keep the sessions interactive and personal, I’m capping registration at 30 participants per session. Once the seats are filled, registration will close—so don’t wait!

👉 Registration is now closed for the full course.

BUT you can register for each class individually. Click HERE for more information.

*Image created by ChatGPT, 2025.

How to Translate a French-Canadian Baptism Record Step-by-Step

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:22:00 +0000

There’s an exciting thrill that comes from opening a digitized parish register and spotting the name of an ancestor tucked among the looping lines of a French-Canadian baptism record. That moment when you think, "That's them!" is priceless.

But if you’re not fluent in French, the joy can quickly be followed by a wave of "now what?" The script looks intimidating. The words seem familiar, but not quite. You might know a little bit of French, but you really don't understand what the priest was writing. The structure of the record differs from what you’re used to in English records. Where do you even begin?

Today, I’m going to walk you step-by-step through a French-Canadian baptism record from 1898 and show you exactly how to break it down, translate each section, and uncover the genealogical clues hidden inside.

Baptism record for Anne Évangéline Langlois, 1898, Ancestry^®.

Understanding the Layout of a French-Canadian Baptism Record
In our example, the margin reads: Bapt. 73e Anne Évangéline Langlois.

Baptism entries in Catholic parish registers tend to follow a fairly standard format, which is a huge help when you’re learning to read them.

You’ll typically see:

Left margin: The entry number, the name of the child, and sometimes the record type.
Main body: The date of baptism, the priest’s declaration, the child’s details, the parents’ names, and the names of the godparents.
Signature area: The priest and sometimes the witnesses.

Step 1: Translating the Date

French:

Le vingt un Septembre mil huit cent quatre vingt dix huit

English:

The twenty-first of September, 1898

Tip: In French, numbers are often written out in full, and older records may not use modern hyphenation.

Step 2: Spotting the Priest's Formula

French:

par nous prêtre soussigné a été baptisée

English:

by us, the undersigned priest, was baptized

Tip: Recognizing these formula phrases speeds up your translation. They rarely vary much.

Step 3: The Name of the Child

French:

Anne Évangéline (margin: Langlois)

English:

Anne Évangéline Langlois

Tip: The surname often appears only in the margin; compound given names are part of the full legal name.

Step 4: Parentage

French:

née ce matin du légitime mariage de Alfred Langlois et de Milina Seguin

English:

born this morning of the legitimate marriage of Alfred Langlois and Milina Seguin

Tip: The legitimacy phrase confirms the parents were married. This is a clue to find their marriage record.

Step 5: Godparents

French:

Le parrain a été Richard Berthiaume, la marraine Eliza St-Antoine

English:

The godfather was Richard Berthiaume, the godmother Eliza St-Antoine

Tip: Godparents were often relatives; tracing them can uncover extended family connections.

Step 6: The Signature

French:

H. Lemay

English:

Signature of the priest

Tip: Sometimes the godparents sign, but here only the priest’s signature appears.

Putting It All Together
On the twenty-first of September, eighteen ninety-eight, by us, the undersigned priest, was baptized Anne Évangéline, born this morning of the legitimate marriage of Alfred Langlois and Milina Seguin. The godfather was Richard Berthiaume, the godmother, Eliza St-Antoine.

Where to Go from Here

With this information, you can:

Locate the marriage record of Alfred Langlois and Milina Seguin
Search the 1901 Canadian census for the Langlois family
Investigate Richard Berthiaume and Eliza St-Antoine for possible family links
Look for civil registrations or notarial records connected to the family

Tips for Writing Your Translations

Start with the structure. Learn where each type of detail usually appears.
Master the formulas. Common phrases are repeated across years and parishes.
Tackle the date first; it anchors your record in time.
Watch for legitimacy wording, it can lead you to other records.
Don’t skip the godparents; they’re often a key to extended family.
Use a guide. A good translation guide saves hours of frustration.

Your Go-To Resource
If this step-by-step breakdown has you feeling more confident about tackling French-Canadian records, you’ll love my French-Canadian Translation Guide Bundle.

It’s designed for both beginners and intermediate researchers, with:

Full-page translation tables for baptism, marriage, burial, civil, census, and notarial records
Paleography tips and transcription advice
Abbreviation and Latin phrase reference
Worksheets and checklists to help you work through your French-Canadian records

Get your copy at my online store here.

Author’s Note: I want to be transparent that this article “How to Translate a French-Canadian Baptism Record Step-by-Step” was created partly with the help of an artificial intelligence (AI) language model, ChatGPT 4.0. The AI helped generate an early draft of the article; however, every paragraph has been reviewed, edited, and refined by me. The final version reflects my human ability, curation, and creativity. While I used AI as a tool in the process, the ideas, story, style, and substance were carefully crafted by the author.

Digging Up Scandals: Tracing Black Sheep Ancestors in Your Family History

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:39:00 +0000

Image created by OpenAI, 2025.

Every family has a story that they try to forget. A bootlegger uncle. A grandmother who “ran off.” A cousin who spent time “away” that no one will explain. These fragments of scandal are often whispered about or left out entirely. As family historians, though, it’s our job to dig deeper, not to look away.

When researching your ancestors, it’s tempting to focus on the proud moments such as military service, land ownership, long marriages, and community involvement. Nonetheless, a complete and accurate family history must also encompass the messy parts, including the controversies, secrets, and black sheep that shaped who our ancestors truly were. Scandals may involve criminal charges, out-of-wedlock births, mental illness, desertion, bankruptcy, or even time in jail. These stories can be uncomfortable to uncover, particularly if older relatives are reluctant to discuss them. However, they often hold the key to understanding sudden moves, name changes, or gaps in the record.

Ignoring these events creates blind spots while embracing them leads to insight and understanding.

In fact, the "troublemakers" in your family tree often leave behind the richest paper trails, including court records, police files, newspaper articles, asylum admission logs, divorce petitions, and more. These records can reveal not only the truth of the events but also provide valuable clues into your ancestor’s character, relationships, and community.

In my upcoming webinar, “Digging Up Scandals: Tracing Black Sheep Ancestors in Your Family Tree,” we’ll explore the types of records that reveal the stories many families attempted to conceal. You’ll learn how to:

Recognize red flags that indicate a possible scandal.
Approach sensitive topics with care and compassion.
Access key Canadian records for criminal, divorce, asylum, and institutional cases.
Put events into their historical context to better understand your ancestor’s choices.

And yes, we’ll discuss how to share these findings with your family without starting a family feud.

We want to believe our ancestors fit neatly into respectable roles. However, real people rarely conform to neat and tidy categories. They were flawed, complicated, and influenced by the circumstances of their time. Telling the complete story isn’t about assigning blame or creating drama. It’s about preserving the truth, honouring resilience, and giving a voice to those who were often silenced.

So, if your genealogy has reached a standstill, or if you’ve uncovered a hushed family secret and aren’t sure where to go next, this webinar is for you.

Day: Thursday

Date: June 12, 2025

Time: 8:00 pm EDT

CLICK to register here for this complimentary webinar.

Why Your Great-Grandmother’s Ontario Birth Record Isn’t There and Where to Look Instead

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Tue, 20 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Image created by ChatGPT, 2025.

If you’ve been searching high and low for your great-grandmother’s birth record in Ontario from 1892 and keep coming up empty-handed, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common frustrations I hear from researchers digging into late 19th-century Ontario ancestors. Here’s the truth: the birth record may not exist in civil registration at all.

Ontario introduced province-wide civil registration for births, marriages, and deaths in 1869. However, implementation didn’t happen overnight. Especially in the 1870s through the 1890s, birth registrations were inconsistent—particularly in rural communities, among farming families, or among those who didn’t understand the need to file paperwork with the government. Some births weren’t registered until decades later. Others never were.

So, what’s the solution? Church records.

During this period, most families in Ontario belonged to a church, and baptisms were a vital rite of passage. Many churches diligently recorded baptisms, often including the child's birth date, parents’ names, and even details about their residence or occupation.

If your ancestor was Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican, or Roman Catholic, you might have better luck in the church’s baptismal registers than in civil registration. These records were typically kept at the local parish or congregation level and may now be housed in a denominational archive or regional repository.

Here are some steps to help you get started:

Check FamilySearch – Many Ontario church registers have been digitized and are available for free access. Use the Catalog rather than just the Search function to browse by location and denomination.
Contact local archives or libraries – Regional institutions often hold microfilmed or original church records that are not yet available online.
Review denominational archives – For example, the Anglican Diocese of Huron, United Church of Canada Archives, and Archives of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto may hold valuable records depending on where your ancestors lived.

When civil records fall short, church registers can be a powerful workaround. Sometimes, they even offer more detail than a government form would. Don’t give up—just shift your strategy.

VE Day: Remembering the Liberation of the Netherlands

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Thu, 08 May 2025 20:00:00 +0000

AI-generated image by ChatGPT, 2025.

On 10 May 1940, the German invasion of the Netherlands started until the surrender of the main Dutch forces on 14 May. It was not until 5 May 1945 that the Dutch people were fully liberated from Nazi occupation when Canadian forces accepted the German surrender in the Netherlands, ending five years of hardship, including the "Hunger Winter", for the Dutch people.

More than 7,600 Canadians gave their lives during the campaign. From the fierce battles in the Scheldt estuary to the final push into the northern provinces, Canadian soldiers, airmen, and medical personnel played a significant role in restoring freedom and dignity in the Netherlands.

The friendship between our two countries has remained strong ever since. In 1945, the Dutch royal family, grateful for Canada sheltering the future Queen Juliana and her family during the war, sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa. Every spring, the Canadian Tulp Festival celebrates the cultural and historical legacy of the Canadian-Netherlands relationship.

Looking to research your Canadian soldier in World War II?
Check out my one-page research sheet here.

Sources:
Canadian War Museum, “Liberation! Canada and the Netherlands 1944-1945, (https://www.warmuseum.ca/liberation/).

Government of Canada, “Liberation of the Netherlands,” Veterans Affairs Canada(https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/second-world-war/liberation-of-netherlands).

Canadian Tulip Festival (https://tulipfestival.ca)

Revolutionary Choices: Exploring Loyalist and Patriot Roots – A Special 250th Anniversary Webinar

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

2025 marks 250 years since the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, a pivotal moment in American and Canadian history.

As families chose sides—Patriot or Loyalist—their decisions sent ripples across generations. Many who remained loyal to the British Crown found refuge in what would become Canada, shaping communities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Upper Canada.

But how do we trace those stories today?

I'm excited to invite you to my webinar, "Revolutionary Choices: Exploring Loyalist and Patriot Roots at 250 Years. " We’ll commemorate this historic anniversary and explore the fascinating—and often complex—research paths of American Revolutionary War ancestors.

In this webinar presentation, you'll discover:

• How to identify whether your ancestor was a Patriot or a Loyalist

• Key resources for researching both groups, including digital archives and lineage society databases

• Practical tips for proving your lineage and documenting your findings.

Whether you're starting out or refining a long-standing research project, this presentation aims to provide insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies.

Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025

Time: 8:00 pm EDT

👉 Don’t miss out! Click to Register Here

Let’s honour the stories of those who confronted one of history’s greatest crossroads—and discover where our ancestors stood when the Revolution emerged.

Planning Your RootsTech 2025 Experience with a Canadian Twist

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:30:00 +0000

Click Planning Your RootsTech 2025 Experience with a Canadian Twist to download my FREE guide.

From Europe to the Prairies: The Mennonite Journey to Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:30:00 +0000

DSC_0046 by Kevin MacIntyre. CC License 2.0 Sharealike

Mennonite Heritage Week is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the significant history and contributions of Mennonites in Canada. Mennonites, an Anabaptist group, originated in Europe during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. They are named after Menno Simons, a Dutch priest who became a leader of the movement in the 1530s. Early Mennonites rejected infant baptism and advocated for adult baptism, pacifism, and a simple, communal lifestyle focused on mutual aid and faith.

The first migration of about 2,000 “Swiss” Mennonites arrived in Upper Canada from Pennsylvania during and after the American Revolution War. They sought religious freedom and land, settling primarily in the Niagara Peninsula, York and Waterloo counties. Beginning in 1822, a second wave of Amish Mennonites immigrated from Europe.

Another significant wave of European Mennonites occurred in the 1870s when around 7,000 immigrants of Dutch/Prussian descent fled the Russian Empire due to its Russification policies and settled in Manitoba and the Prairie provinces. These policies threatened Mennonite religious and cultural autonomy, including exemption from military service, a core principle of their pacifist beliefs. The Canadian government, eager to settle the Prairies, offered these Mennonites land, educational autonomy, and exemption from military service.

Mennonites established two major colonies in southern Manitoba: the East Reserve and the West Reserve. The East Reserve, located on the eastern side of the Red River, was settled first in 1874. The West Reserve, on the opposite side of the river, was established soon after. These areas quickly became agricultural hubs due to the Mennonites' farming expertise, particularly in wheat production. The fertile prairies were ideal for their agrarian way of life, and they introduced new farming techniques, such as crop rotation and the use of mechanical threshers.

For many years, Mennonite communities in Manitoba maintained a distinct cultural and religious identity. They built their churches, schools, and community institutions, preserving the Low German dialect and maintaining their traditional ways of life. Over time, the Mennonites in Manitoba split into various religious groups, ranging from conservative Old Order Mennonites to more progressive congregations.

Between 1923 and 1929, approximately 22,000 Russian Mennonites emigrated to Canada because of the Russian Revolution and Civil War, escaping war, famine, and political upheaval. The Canadian Mennonite Board of Colonization and the Mennonite Central Committee played crucial roles in facilitating this migration, helping to settle new arrivals in both urban and rural areas across the Prairies. Following the Second World War, a fifth migration took place, with another 12,000 Mennonite war refugees and displaced persons coming to Canada and mainly settling in urban areas like Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Kitchener-Waterloo, which became home to large Mennonite populations.

Today, Mennonites live all across Canada, from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island, and recent Mennonite congregations include people from many different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Researching Mennonite Ancestors

Researching Mennonite ancestry in Canada can be challenging due to the group's historical migrations and record-keeping practices. Several valuable resources exist for tracing Mennonite ancestors, including church records, immigration documents, and genealogical societies like the Mennonite Heritage Centre Archives in Winnipeg or the Mennonite Archives of Ontario. These archives contain detailed records of early Mennonite families, including immigration lists, birth, marriage, death records, and community histories.

If you're starting to research your Mennonite ancestors, be sure to explore the Canadian Mennonite Board of Colonization records, which document the immigration of over 21,000 Mennonites from Russia to Canada in the 1920s. Local historical societies and online databases also provide access to personal records and genealogical data specific to Mennonite families in Canada.

Resources

Mennonite Archives of Ontario

https://uwaterloo.ca/mennonite-archives-ontario/

Mennonite Church Canada

https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/

Mennonite Heritage Centre Archives

https://www.mharchives.ca/

Mennonite Historical Society of Alberta

https://mennonitehistory.org/cmbc/

Mennonite Historical Society of BC

https://www.mhsbc.com/index.php

Mennonite Historical Society of Canada

https://mhsc.ca/projects/mennonites-in-canada/

Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario

https://www.mhso.org/

By exploring these resources, you can uncover the rich heritage of Mennonites in Canada, tracing their journey from Europe and their vital role in shaping Canada's agricultural, social, and religious landscape.

Sources

“10 things to know about Mennonites in Canada,” Canadian Mennonite (https://canadianmennonite.org/stories/10-things-know-about-mennonites-canada).
“A brief history of Mennonites in Canada,” Mennonite Church in Canada (https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/about/history).
“History and Immigration of Mennonites into Canada, Third Way (https://thirdwaycafe.com/glossary/history-and-immigration-of-mennonites-into-canada/).
“Mennonites,” The Canadian Encyclopedia (https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/mennonites).
“Who are the Mennonites?” Mennonite Historical Society of Canada
(https://mhsc.ca/who-are-the-mennonites/).

All articles and websites accessed September 8, 2024.

This blog post was edited using artificial intelligence.

Labour Day in Canada: A Tribute to Workers and a Nod to Our Labour History

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:38:00 +0000

Labour Day Parade, Front Street / Défilé de la fête du Travail, rue Front

Labour Day in Canada, which we celebrate on the first Monday in September, isn’t just another long weekend. Sure, it’s a great time to enjoy the last bit of summer, but it’s also a day to recognize the contributions of Canadian workers and the history behind the labour movement. Let’s take a look at the origins of Labour Day, how it became a national holiday, and how we, as Canadians, like to celebrate.

How Labour Day Came to Be

The story of Labour Day in Canada kicks off in the early 1870s, during a time of significant industrial growth in Canada. Workers demanded better conditions, fair pay, and, most importantly, shorter workdays. One of the most pivotal moments was the Toronto Printers' Strike of 1872, where more than 100 printers downed tools to push for a nine-hour workday instead of the usual ten. This strike was part of the larger Nine-Hour Movement that was sweeping across the country.

Although the strike didn’t immediately achieve its goals, it wasn’t all for nothing. It drew public attention to the condition of workers and led to the passing of the Trade Union Act, which officially legalized unions in Canada. This was a big win for the labour movement and set the stage for future successes.

Fast forward to 1894, and the Canadian government, recognizing the growing influence of the labour movement, made Labour Day a national holiday. The first Monday in September was chosen, aligning with similar celebrations in the United States of America. Since then, Labour Day has been a staple on our calendars, a day off between Canada Day and Thanksgiving that honours the hard work and achievements of Canadian workers.

Noteworthy Labour Strikes in Canada’s History

Before we get into how we celebrate, it’s worth remembering a few key labour strikes that helped shape the rights we enjoy today:

The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919
This is the largest strike in Canadian history. It started on May 15, 1919, when over 30,000 workers in Winnipeg walked off the job to demand better wages, working conditions, and the right to collective bargaining. The strike lasted six weeks and ended in violence on June 21, 1919, what’s now known as "Bloody Saturday." This event had a profound impact on labour laws and the formation of unions in Canada.
The Asbestos Strike of 1949
This strike, which began on February 14, 1949, in Asbestos, Quebec, involved over 5,000 workers who were fighting for better wages, safer working conditions, and union recognition. It closed major asbestos mines for nearly five months. The Quebec government sided with the American-owned company, which was the main employer, leading to violence by the workers. This strike is often seen as a key moment in Quebec's history and influenced the Quiet Revolution, paving the way for future political leaders like Pierre Trudeau.

How We Celebrate Labour Day

Now that we’ve got a bit of history under our belts let’s talk about how Canadians typically celebrate Labour Day. Here’s a glimpse:

Parades and Festivals: In many cities, especially the big ones like Toronto and Vancouver, Labour Day is celebrated with parades and festivals organized by labour unions. These events are a great way to honour workers, with speeches, live music, and a lot of community spirit.
Outdoor Fun: For many of us, Labour Day weekend is the last hurrah of summer. It’s the perfect time for camping, hiking, or heading to the cottage. Parks and campgrounds are packed as Canadians take advantage of the long weekend.
Sports Events: The Labour Day Classic is a must-watch for Canadian football fans. The Canadian Football League (CFL) puts on some of its biggest rivalry games, like the ones between the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, as well as the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. It’s a huge part of the Labour Day tradition.
Family Time and Back-to-School Prep: Labour Day is also about spending time with family. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a picnic, it’s a time to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones. It’s also the last chance to get those back-to-school supplies ready, as the school year is just around the corner.

Conclusion

Labour Day in Canada is more than just a day off. It’s a day to remember the struggles and achievements of workers who fought for the rights we have today. Whether you’re attending a parade, enjoying the great outdoors, or just relaxing with family, take a moment to reflect on the importance of the labour movement and its ongoing impact on our country. Happy Labour Day!

Resources
The Canadiana Encyclopedia

Library and Archives Canada on Flikr: Labour Day

Canadian Football League: Labour Day Classic

Written in part with the assistance of ChatGPT 4.0.

Starting Out or Starting Over: Building Your Family Tree with Census Records, Vital Records and Source Citations

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Sat, 27 May 2023 19:22:00 +0000

Today is Day 3- Build It of Starting Out or Starting Over 6-Day Family History Bootcamp.

We are discussing the significance of census records, civil registration or vital records, and the often-overlooked practice of source citations. By delving into these resources, we can add more branches to our family trees and uncover details about our ancestors.

Census records serve as an excellent source for family history research, offering a snapshot of individuals or families at specific points in time. Using census records, we can trace migration patterns, confirm relationships, fill gaps, and gain insights into our ancestors' lives. Some standard details include names, ages, gender, occupations, relationships, birthplaces, and family origins.

Civil registration or vital records are official government documents that chronicle vital events such as births, marriages, and deaths. Birth records provide crucial information about children, including names, genders, dates and places of birth, parents' names and occupations, and more. Marriage records offer insights into couples, including names, ages, birthplaces, occupations, and wedding details. Death records capture details such as names, ages, and causes of death, often including information about residences, birthplaces, and parents' names. Other civil registration records encompass adoption, naturalization, and divorce, shedding light on various aspects of our ancestors' lives.

Source citations are essential in genealogy. By citing sources, we track where information is obtained, evaluate reliability, and provide transparency in our research process. Source citations allow others to follow our steps, verify conclusions, and ensure accuracy. Consistency in writing source citations is key, even though it may seem tedious, as it greatly enhances the credibility and usefulness of our family histories. Resources such as Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace by Elizabeth Shown Mills and the FamilySearch wiki page on citing sources can assist you in learning how to write accurate source citations.

As we continue researching, integrating census records and civil registration or vital records helps us add details about our ancestors and more branches to our family trees. Consistently writing source citations establishes a solid foundation for our family history research.

Click the link to watch the recorded webinar of Day 3 - Build It.

WEBINAR ENCORE: Are You Ready for the 1931 Canada Census?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Thu, 25 May 2023 22:53:00 +0000

If you missed my 1931 census webinar last week, here's your opportunity to attend my webinar encore.

Even if you did attend my webinar last week, here's your chance to attend it again.

The release of the 1931 Canada Census is June 1, 2023 - that's this week!

Are you ready?

Learn what you need to do to prepare your research BEFORE the census becomes public. Join me, Kathryn Lake Hogan, as I share the details of the 1931 census, the questions asked, and some things you might need to be aware of in this census. I'll be discussing strategies and techniques to get you ready to find your ancestors on census release day.

Date: Monday, May 29th, 2023

Time: 8:00 PM EDT | 5:00 PM PDT | 00:00 UTC*

Cost: FREE

What questions do you have about the 1931 Canada census?

Email me at kathryn @ looking4ancestors. com (Remove the spaces.) I'll answer your question(s) live on the webinar.

*double-check the correct time in your time zone

Starting Out or Starting Over: How to Frame Your Family History for Success

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Mon, 15 May 2023 20:33:00 +0000

Watch the video of Day 2 - Frame It

Embarking on a genealogical research journey can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, before diving into the intricate details of your family tree, it's crucial to understand the fundamentals of genealogical principles, sources of information, and how to navigate sensitive aspects like living individuals and public family trees. In today's session, we are focusing on the initial steps of genealogy research, the main sources of genealogical information, dealing with living people in your family tree, and the cautious use of public family trees.

Beginning the Research Stage

Understanding the concept of sources, including original and derivative records, is essential to ensure accuracy and reliability in genealogy research. Original records, created at or near the time of the event, hold primary information and are considered the most reliable. On the other hand, derivative records, such as transcripts, abstracts and indexes, are created later based on data from original records, making them less reliable and prone to errors and omissions. Verifying derivative records with primary information is always recommended. Additionally, sources may contain primary, secondary, or indeterminate information, each playing a different role in establishing genealogical facts.

Five Main Sources of Genealogical Information

Vital Records: These official documents record significant life events such as birth, marriage, and death, providing names, dates, places, and familial relationships. Vital records are original records and direct evidence.
Census Records: These periodic population counts offer valuable information about individuals, including names, ages, occupations, and household relationships. Census records are typically derivative sources and contain secondary information.
Immigration Records: These documents record the arrival of individuals in a new country, offering details such as names, dates of departure and arrival, ports of entry, and relationships with fellow travellers.
Church Records: Church registers are primary sources and provide information on baptisms, marriages, and burials not found elsewhere. They often include details like sponsors, godparents, and witnesses.
Military Records: These records document an individual's military service, including dates of service, ranks, battles fought, and personal details like birthplace and next of kin.

Adding Information to Your Family Tree

Who do I start with? We always start with what we know and move backwards chronologically. Start with the most recent event for the individual. Often that is a death or burial. These records can provide information about the person, such as date of birth, place of birth, name of spouse, name of parents, date and place of death, cause of death, who registered the death, and when and where the person was buried. As each generation is added, the number of individuals and surnames in the family tree multiplies. The first person to add to your family tree is yourself. As tempting as it may be to start with a grandparent or great-grandparent, it's best to start with what we know. Then, add your parents, siblings, your spouse and children. As each generation is added, the number of individuals and surnames in the family tree multiplies.

Dealing with Living People in Your Family Tree

Respecting the privacy of living individuals in your family tree is paramount. Be mindful of the personal information you include, and consider omitting sensitive details such as birthdates and addresses. Obtain consent before sharing information about living individuals, especially when publishing your family tree online. Utilize privacy settings provided by your family history software program and online family tree platforms to protect the privacy of living family members. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that not everyone may be interested in genealogy research or may not want their information shared.

Using Public Family Trees for Research

Public family trees can be valuable resources but should be approached cautiously. Verify the information in public trees through other sources before incorporating it into your research. Watch out for inaccuracies, errors, and plagiarism within public family trees. Be aware that some trees may rely on limited or incomplete sources, and avoid over-reliance on hints and suggestions provided by online platforms. Respect privacy concerns and obtain consent before sharing or publishing personal information about living people.

Finally, remember to approach genealogy research with an open mind and a critical eye. The process of verifying information and building evidence can take time, and it is important to be thorough in examining each source.

Get caught up and Watch the video of Day 2 - Frame It

Did You Miss Day 1 of Starting Out or Starting Over 2023?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Fri, 12 May 2023 20:07:00 +0000

Did you miss Day 1 of Starting Out or Staring Over 2023?

Day 1 - Plan It

Click to watch the full episode of today's video.

What is Genealogy?

Understanding Your Family's History and Ancestry.

Genealogy and family history are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between them. Genealogy involves tracing a person's or family's lineage and descent, often through records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and census records. It aims to create a family tree or pedigree chart that showcases the relationships between family members over many generations. On the other hand, family history is a broader term encompassing not only genealogy but also the social, cultural, and historical context in which one's ancestors lived.

Why do people trace their ancestors?

There are many reasons why someone might be interested in their family history. For some, it's a way to make connections in their lineage and learn more about their family. For others, it's a way to understand the social, cultural, and historical context in which their ancestors lived. Additionally, researching your family tree can help identify potential risk factors for surviving family members and uncover valuable medical information. It's also a way to preserve family traditions, stories, and artifacts.

What makes a good genealogist?

Genealogy involves a lot of record-keeping and documentation, so a good genealogist needs to be detail-oriented and organized. They should also be naturally curious and motivated to learn about their family's history and ancestry. Patience and persistence are important traits, as genealogy can be time-consuming. Critical thinking and analytical skills are necessary for piecing together information from various sources. Communication skills are also important, as good genealogists need to be able to present their findings clearly and concisely. Lastly, a good genealogist adheres to ethical standards and practices and has deep knowledge and experience in genealogy research methods and tools.

What do you need to decide before beginning to Build Your Family Tree?

Before starting to build your family tree, you need to decide whether to use an online platform or a software program. If you choose an online platform, you should consider accessibility, safety, and the potential for data-mining. Ancestry and MyHeritage are two popular online platforms with different features. Ancestry offers access to billions of genealogical records and hints to help find matches, while MyHeritage has privacy settings, multimedia support, and source management. Smart Matches and record matching features can be useful for both platforms in discovering new relatives and extending your family history.

Geni and Findmypast are two popular online family tree websites that offer a range of features and benefits. Geni is known for its collaborative family trees, family groups, and research tools. It is ideal for those interested in collaborating with others and using record matching and research tools to expand their family history. Findmypast's online family trees are designed to be user-friendly and integrate with its other genealogy research tools, including record collections and reporting tools. Theyd offer privacy settings, multimedia support, and a source management system to keep track of research sources. Overall, both websites are helpful options for building and sharing family tree data, and each has its unique strengths.

Some family history software options include:

Gramps
Family Tree Maker
RootsMagic
Legacy Family Tree
MacFamilyTree
Heredis
Reunion

This weekend spend time investigating the different family history software options.

Be sure to sign-up for my newsletter to receive a discount code save 50% off Legacy Family Tree Deluxe 9.0.

Gather Information

To gather family history information, start by writing down what you know about yourself. Next, talk to your parents and family members, asking about names, dates, and places related to your family history. Record the information, even if you think it's incorrect, and consider interviewing grandparents to gather more details.

In conclusion, genealogy is a powerful tool for discovering and understanding your family's history and ancestry. It can provide valuable insights into the lives of your ancestors and give you a greater understanding and appreciation for your family's history and cultural heritage. Whether you're interested in tracing your family tree for personal reasons or medical purposes, there's no doubt that genealogy is a meaningful and enriching experience.

Watch the full video replay of Day 1 - Plan It.

Starting Out or Starting Over 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Fri, 05 May 2023 20:00:00 +0000

Whether you're starting your family tree, trying to salvage it, or scrapping it and starting again, this 6-Day Bootcamp will get you on the right track.

Join professional genealogist, Kathryn Lake Hogan, to start your family tree or start over again. Learn the correct methodology of doing genealogical research so that your family history will be something to be proud of and you'll want to share it with others.

When: Friday, May 12 & Monday - Friday, May 15-19, 2023
Time: 12:00 Noon EDT | 9:00 am PDT | UTC -5

Cost: FREE

Starting Out or Starting Over 6 Day Family History Bootcamp

Day 1 - Plan It
What is genealogy?
What is a good genealogist?
Why do you want to trace your ancestors?
What you need to decide before you begin your family tree ?

Day 2 - Frame It
Beginning the research stage.
Who do I start with?
Which line of my family should I trace?
What are the Five Main Sources of Genealogical Information?
Learn how to deal with Living People in my family tree.
What do I need to know about using Public Family Trees for research?

Day 3 - Build It
Discover how using census records and civil registration records can fill in your tree.
What are source citations? Why do I need them?
Learn the keys to writing good source citations that don't take all day.

Day 4 - Prove It

Discover how to link each generation of your ancestors.

What is a Genealogical Proof Argument?

Learn how to determine the reliability of a source.

What other resources are available to fill in your family tree?

Explore strategies for when you get stuck in your research.

Day 5 - Connect It

Today we're discussing how and why you might want to share and connect your tree with others.

We'll be exploring DNA testing and how it can help you connect with cousins.

What are the different types of DNA tests available?

What can DNA tests do to help you in your family history research?

Day 6 - Wrapping It Up

This is the wrap up session of the 6-Day Bootcamp.

We'll review what was covered Days 1 to 5, and look at some ways to keep your research going.

Q&A Session

WEBINAR: May 2023 - Are You Ready for the 1931 Canada Census?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Lake Hogan) — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:15:00 +0000

Are You Ready for the 1931 Canada Census?

The release of the 1931 Canada Census is June 1, 2023.

Are you ready?

Date: Thursday, May 18

Time: 7:00 PM EDT | 4:00 PM PDT | 23:00 UTC

Cost: FREE

Email your questions about the 1931 Canada census to Kathryn at kathryn @ looking4ancestors. com (Remove the spaces.)

LOOKING4ANCESTORS

What to Do After RootsTech: Turn Conference Ideas into a Research Plan

Step 1: Review Your Notes

Begin by gathering everything you collected during the conference.

This might include:

Session notesScreenshots of slidesLinks to websites or record collectionsBooks or resources mentioned by presentersResearch ideas you quickly scribbled down

Spend 15–20 minutes looking through your notes while the sessions are still fresh in your mind. Highlight the ideas that seem most relevant to your own family history research.

You do not need to follow up on everything. RootsTech offers far more information than anyone can realistically use at once.

Instead, focus on the ideas that directly relate to your current research questions.

Step 2: Choose One Research Goal

Step 3: Create a Simple Research Plan

Step 4: Schedule Time to Follow Through

The Clues Hiding in Family Letters and Postcards

What letters and postcards can tell us

Where to look for family correspondence

Reading correspondence like a genealogist

Want to explore this topic further?

Why 1926 Belongs on Your Genealogy Research Plan This Year

Smarter Genealogy: Strategies That Go Beyond the Search Box

A four-week winter workshop for genealogists who want clearer answers, stronger evidence, and a research process that actually works.

What You’ll Learn (Key Benefits)

What’s Included

Workshop Sessions

Who This Workshop Is For

Dates & Time

Meet Your Instructor

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Work Smarter?

👉 Save Your Spot: Register for Smarter Genealogy – Winter Workshop 2026

From Loose Ends to Clear Next Steps: A New Year’s Eve Research Reset

Yes, You Can Still Join the 12 Days of Looking4Ancestors

Yes, You Can Still Join The 12 Days of Looking4Ancestors!

🎁 What Happens When You Join

Why It’s Perfectly Okay to Join Late

Ready to Join In?

What the 1921 and 1931 Censuses Reveal About Everyday Life

The Tanned Turkey

What’s in a Column? Decoding 19th-Century Canadian Census Clues

Can I Take Just One Part of the Canadian Census Course?

Week 1: Founding Families and Feudal Frameworks (1666–1825) New France & Quebec

Week 2: Pre-Confederation Censuses in British North America (1825–1861) Upper Canada, Lower Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland

Week 3: Enumerating a New Nation (1871–1901)

Week 4: Modernizing a Nation (1911–1931)

From Habitants to Households: Mastering Canadian Census Records from New France to 1931

Why Census Records Matter in Family History

A New Four-Part Canadian Census Course

What You’ll Learn in Each Session

Session 1: Founding Families and Feudal Frameworks (1666–1825)

Session 2: Pre-Confederation Censuses in British North America (1825–1861)

Session 3: Enumerating a New Nation (1871–1901)

Session 4: Modernizing a Nation (1911–1931)

Who Should Attend

How to Translate a French-Canadian Baptism Record Step-by-Step

Tips for Writing Your Translations

Digging Up Scandals: Tracing Black Sheep Ancestors in Your Family History

Why Your Great-Grandmother’s Ontario Birth Record Isn’t There and Where to Look Instead

VE Day: Remembering the Liberation of the Netherlands

Revolutionary Choices: Exploring Loyalist and Patriot Roots – A Special 250th Anniversary Webinar

Planning Your RootsTech 2025 Experience with a Canadian Twist

From Europe to the Prairies: The Mennonite Journey to Canada

Researching Mennonite Ancestors

Resources

Sources

Labour Day in Canada: A Tribute to Workers and a Nod to Our Labour History

Starting Out or Starting Over: Building Your Family Tree with Census Records, Vital Records and Source Citations

WEBINAR ENCORE: Are You Ready for the 1931 Canada Census?

Starting Out or Starting Over: How to Frame Your Family History for Success

Watch the video of Day 2 - Frame It

Beginning the Research Stage

Five Main Sources of Genealogical Information

Adding Information to Your Family Tree

Dealing with Living People in Your Family Tree

Using Public Family Trees for Research

Did You Miss Day 1 of Starting Out or Starting Over 2023?

Did you miss Day 1 of Starting Out or Staring Over 2023?

Day 1 - Plan It

Starting Out or Starting Over 2023

WEBINAR: May 2023 - Are You Ready for the 1931 Canada Census?

Are You Ready for the 1931 Canada Census?

Session notes
Screenshots of slides
Links to websites or record collections
Books or resources mentioned by presenters
Research ideas you quickly scribbled down

**Yes, You Can Still Join The 12 Days of Looking4Ancestors!**