Thursday, August 6, 2015

Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners

Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners Roberta Estes blogs about Britain's over 200 years of slave ownership before the abolition of slavery in 1834. You can read her comments at:
http://dna-explained.com/2015/08/01/britains-forgotten-slave-owners/

When slavery was abolished, slave owners were compensated. There is a database of slave owners who received compensation at:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/lbs/project/context/
In some cases there is biographical information.

Roberta also provides links to two BBC documentaries. I've only viewed the first, called Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners Episode 01
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=10&v=ENBYl8SaA3I
What astounded me was not only the tremendous amount of money paid out to the former slave owners for their loss of property, but just how many Brits were actually slave owners. The very wealthy ones with large plantations were concentrated in London, Bristol and Liverpool. as expected, but small slave owners were spread throughout the country and included clergyman, widows and many in Scotland.
Source: OGS, Toronto Branch

Free e-book on Genetic Genealogy

Free e-book on Genetic Genealogy
Family Tree University is offering an e-book called Jump Into Genetic Genealogy: Use Genealogical DNA Testing to Solve Family Mysteries. You can download it free at:

http://ftu.familytreemagazine.com/jump-into-genetic-genealogy-use-genealogical-dna-testing-to-solve-family-mysteries/
Source:  OGS, Toronto Branch

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Upcoming Family History Events

We recently learned of the following family history events that have been planned by the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society: 
  • Atlantic Canada Genealogy – a full-day workshop on Saturday 17 October to explore the resources available to help you find your Atlantic ancestors. Led by keynote speaker Terrence M. Punch of Halifax, with additional lectures by Roberta Clark and Terri Raymond, this workshop will focus on understanding the patterns and sources of immigration into the four Atlantic provinces over the past four hundred years as well as subsequent migrations from Atlantic Canada to other parts of Canada and to the United States. Early-bird rates apply until September 22 and OGS members enjoy additional discounts. For full program and speaker details and to register online, visit http://torontofamilyhistory.org/learn/workshops/atlantic-canada-genealogy-workshop/.
  • Basic Genealogy and Family History – two eight-week courses led by instructor Jane E. MacNamara designed for those who are just setting out on their family history journeys or who wish to upgrade their basic research skills. One course will be held at Riverdale Public Library on Tuesday evenings from 6 October to 24 November, and the other at North York Central Library on Wednesday afternoons from 7 October to 25 November. Learn how to "think like a genealogist"! For details and to register online, visit http://torontofamilyhistory.org/learn/courses/.