Researching Atlantic Canadian Ancestors
Surrounded by beautiful rocky shores on the Eastern Canadian coast, Atlantic Canada is home to a unique patchwork of cultures and histories including those of indigenous, French, British, Scottish, and Gaelic populations. The region comprises the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. This five-week online seminar will provide a detailed overview of essential record sets, repositories, and research strategies for exploring your Atlantic Canadian roots. We will also discuss the historical context of the changes and events that transformed the region and influenced the lives of your ancestors.
Schedule
August 2
Class 1: Introduction to Atlantic Canada
Presented by Judy Lucey
This first class will cover the foundations of Atlantic Canada research, providing a historical overview of the region’s settlement and its early populations, including First Nations, Loyalists, Planters, Acadians, and immigrant groups. We will also discuss key repositories and resources for Atlantic Canada research.
August 9
Class 2: Census and Census Substitutes
Presented by David Allen Lambert
Canada has census records dating back to 1640, however, these records can vary in their availability, the information collected, and in populations and regions covered. In this class you’ll learn how to use these Canadian census records in your research, as well as important census substitutes. We will also discuss the exciting new release of the 1931 Canadian census.
August 16
Class 3: Church and Vital Records
Presented by Melanie McComb
Canadian baptisms, burials, and marriage records date back to the early 17th century for some parishes, though there is no central repository for these records making it difficult to know where to look. This class will help you understand where to find these church records as well as civil vital records which have been recorded since the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Substitutes for these church and vital records, such as newspaper records, will also be discussed.
August 23
Class 4: Immigration and Naturalization
Presented by Rhonda R. McClure
Atlantic Canada has long been a region comprised of distinct populations in cultures, due in part, of course, to immigration to the region. This class will provide an overview of immigration to Atlantic Canada from the 17th through the 20th centuries, and we’ll discuss essential records and repositories for tracing your immigrant ancestors.
August 30
Class 5: Land Records
Presented by Melanie McComb
There are a variety of records available that can help you research land ownership of your Atlantic Canadian ancestors, including land board records, land grants, land petitions, land patents from the Indian and Inuit Affairs Program, maps, and more. This class will help you understand how to navigate the many record sets available and how to apply them to your research.
