Summer’s on the wane, and it’s the perfect time to begin researching your family tree! Wondering how to get started? The Yorkton branch of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society (SGS) meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Yorkton Public Library. The next meeting date is Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Meetings usually have a featured topic or speaker, and genealogists at any stage of research are welcome. Whether you are just beginning to trace your family tree or have been researching for a long time, you will find conversations and experiences that will help you on your family quest. Everyone is welcome!
Committed genealogy researchers often travel far and wide in search of information. If you are planning to be in Saskatoon at the end of September, the Saskatoon branch of the SGS is having a “Family Heritage and History Fair” on Saturday, September 30 at the Lakewood Civic Centre, Cliff Wright Auditorium, 1635 McKercher Drive. Displays are open from 10:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. For more information log onto http://genealogysaskatoon.org
Genealogy research has expanded to new horizons with the internet. While literally millions of pieces of information are available, be aware that not all of them are correct. Experienced researchers know that information must be checked and cross-checked by name, date of birth, date of death, location, and other factors that could validate whether you are truly researching your ancestor or someone else’s with the same name.
There are many wonderful sites to explore: one is the Library and Archives Canada site at www.bac-lac.gc.ca When you have logged on to this site and are on the home page, click on “Genealogy and Family History” at the left hand side of the page. You’ll find everything you need to get started, including an entire section on “how to begin” and “what to do first” if you are starting to research your family. The site also lists “Most Requested Records” including births, marriages, deaths, census, immigration and citizenship, military, land and employment. Questions can be submitted online, or write to them at Genealogy Services, Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N4, CANADA.
The Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists (SCAA) represents the Saskatchewan archival community in the Canadian archival system, and is responsible for many archive related issues including promoting public understanding and use of archives and historical resources in Saskatchewan. Visit their site at www.scaa.sk.ca
Closer to home, the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society (SGS) www.saskgenealogy.com offers help with education about genealogy, collecting, and preserving historical information. They have a library and catalogues, and also great information on the SGS cemetery program.
Remember: gathering family history involves more than names and dates. While pioneers and their information are still a very important part of family history and should be recorded, more recent (within the last 75 years and up) family information will become just as important to today’s generation and beyond. This includes recording rapid changes in family lifestyle and everyday technology. Do you remember wringer washing machines? Black and white television? Just one phone in the house? Your first microwave oven? Did both parents work outside the home? When did you get a record player? When was the first time you travelled by plane? These are all question that have become relevant to family history.
There is no better time to record your family history than right now. Every family has a story: discover yours with the Yorkton branch of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society.
- Submitted by Debbie Hayward
