This session will give a historical timeline of census records, provide an overview of the types of census records, information available in the Canadian Census 1825-1931, and review the strengths and limitations of census data. Participants will examine one man as he grows through the years, mining the census data for historical data about the individual and his family, then learn “Where do I go from here?

Do you stare at the Family Search homepage feeling nervous and overwhelmed? This class is for you!  This class is a comprehensive introduction to using the Family Search website. Gain knowledge of where to go, what to do, and how to do it. You will learn to navigate the website, review record hints, and merge duplicates. Walk away with the skills and confidence to accomplish something!

This class will give a brief history of the AGS Cemetery Books and then provide a step-by-step guide to searching for your Alberta ancestor’s information in the Internet Archive.

We all have stories that need to be recorded. Big ones and little ones that make you smile, cry, laugh, and remember family. Even the little ones need to be recorded but how do you record these in a fun way that family will spend the time? Make a short video. Show images and talk about it. Do you have old family videos that you want to share so they are not lost? Do you have videos of your ancestors’ places in the British Isles you would like to share with your family? Do you have items that you want to explain to family so they are not forgotten? Create a YouTube channel to store all of these videos. Once they are on YouTube you can now share those videos with just your family or whomever you want.

After over 50 years on radio and television and winning several national awards, Bob is here to help you write your life story.  He will suggest things to include, that you may not have considered from your childhood to your eventual funeral.  Bob will share stories from his life designed to trigger memories from your past. Your life story will be your gift to the generations that follow.

Making the most of the world’s largest totally free family history website and other services.  Includes a quick overview, adding people and events, working with others, getting help, staying on task, using historical records, using information found elsewhere, my journey, and your journey. (As time permits)

This introductory session will explore various types of records accessible at the Provincial Archives of Alberta such as vital statistics, probate files, and court records which contain a wealth of information that may aid you in your genealogical research. The session will also discuss some federal records and additional resources such as local histories that are also incredibly valuable – Genealogical Gold!  

A Presentation and discussion of various practical strategies for organizing your paper and digital research artifacts, including census records, BMD certificates, photos, maps, etc.  Consideration of how to select the ‘right’ strategy.  How do deal with outlier material that just doesn’t fit.

Elevate your genealogical research by diving into techniques of DNA analysis.  This presentation will guide you through genetic tools and techniques, enabling you to uncover hidden ancestral connections, enhance your genealogical research, and make the most of your DNA data.  

Tony shares his journey tracing his genealogy back to Wong Tai born 2697 B.C., the first Emperor of China.  He relates how genealogy work is all about miracles.  Eventually, you will find your happy reunion.  Inheriting the past and ushering in the future is a responsibility.

FNMI is an acronym used in Canada to identify the three Indigenous (or Aboriginal) peoples of Canada. This session will explain who they are, their unique history, how they are represented in Census records, and where to find other records and resources for each.

Learn how to access, for free, over 500,000 genealogy books, family history journals and periodicals, family histories, maps, yearbooks, and more. FamilySearch collaborates with libraries and societies worldwide to digitally preserve genealogy books and offer free online access. This collection gives you access to holdings in most of the major Family History books and printed source collections in North America and elsewhere, such as Allen County Public Library, Ontario Ancestors, Dallas Public Library, Midwest Genealogy Center, the Miriam Weiner Routes to Roots Collection and many other important collections.

FamilySearch Wiki – what is it?  How do I find it?  How do I use it? What hasn’t been check yet?  A comprehensive look at this amazing tool in FamilySearch using examples from Norway, Scotland, Germany, China, Chile, and Ukraine.

We all have old family photos, often not accompanied by negatives, and they may be damaged, flawed, scratched, or printed with imperfections and distractions.  This session will demonstrate how to recover, conserve, repair, improve, reproduce, and even add colour if desired, as we preserve those priceless images to share with kinfolk.

Unlock the mysteries of your DNA and learn how it’s being used to crack some of the toughest cold cases in history. This session will guide you through the basics of DNA testing and the pivotal role Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) plays in uncovering the truth. Explore real cases solved through IGG, debunk common misconceptions, and discover how you can contribute your DNA to this ground-breaking work.

This session will cover the following.

• What types of information do we need to protect?
• Why do we need to protect this information?
• When is this information old enough to be shared?
• How do websites protect and share your data?
• What are the most common types of cyber-attacks?
• Quick tips to help protect your accounts and data.