Summertime is just around the corner: a perfect chance to get those dusty boxes of family photos down off the shelf in the closet, kick back in the shade, and do your family (present and future) a favor by recording who the faces are in the photos, where they lived, and any other information you might know. There is no time like the present to begin research on your family tree: begin by talking to family members, recording what you know, then take your research farther afield.
The electronic age has given genealogy and genealogy research a whole new dimension. A multitude of sites are available for genealogy research, and right here at home in our province, you can log on to www.scaa.sk.ca and visit the Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists. This wonderful site offers a wealth of historical information and fascinating exploration. For example, go to the home page, and on the right hand side of the page, under “Quick Links”, click on “virtual exhibits”.
Here you will find a variety of topics to explore, such as one called “Combined Virtues: Saskatchewan’s Ukrainian Legacy.” The section begins with an informative introduction: “Between 1897 and 1914 a steady stream of Ukrainian immigrants left Ukraine and settled in Saskatchewan. By 1901, blocks were formed around Wakaw, Hafford, Yorkton, Meath Park, Lemberg and Edenbridge. Others followed as more railway branch lines opened. The lands to which they came held promise. In contrast to dire need in Ukraine, there was room for initiative and an opportunity to own land. The rich loam of the prairies resembled Ukraine’s chornozem (black earth) and there were plenty of trees for fuel. These “immigrants in sheepskin coats” known as Ruthenians or Ukrainians, or by their regional roots — Galicians, Bukovinians, Volynians, Lemkes and others — brought with themselves a valuable treasury that went far beyond their settlers’ trunks. Used to hardship and toil, their innate qualities of character and drive would, in time, be applied to every area of endeavour in Canada: politics, science, literature and the visual arts, where they would leave strong marks of success.”
The pages following give you a chance to explore the Ukrainian settlers in depth, including education, arts and crafts, music and celebration, literature, and politics. There are great photos and educational commentary with each section. Much can be learned about the people and the time in which they lived, very valuable information if you are researching Ukrainian roots.
This is just one example. The SCAA’s fascinating site also offers topics such as “A Doukhobor Song of Days”, “Exhibits For Kids”, “Main Street Saskatchewan”, “Medicare: A People’s Issue”, “Saskatchewan and the Visual Arts”, “Saskatchewan in Two World Wars”, “The Saskatchewan Landscape”, and many more. It is well worth a visit!
There are so many tools available to the genealogist. Where to begin? The Yorkton branch of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society always welcomes new members at any stage of research, whether you are just trying to figure out how to get started or have been doing research for a while. The group meets once a month, the second Tuesday of each month (except for June, July and August) at the Yorkton Public Library. Hear interesting speakers, and get helpful advice, learn about possible new avenues to explore with your own research, and get encouragement when it seems your research trails have hit a dead end! Every family has a story: discover yours with the Yorkton Genealogy Society!
