Oakville's local branch of a provincial ancestry and historical organization has celebrated a significant milestone in their own history - a 50th anniversary.
The Halton-Peel branch of Ontario Ancestors celebrated its 50th anniversary at Oakville's historic Palermo School House earlier this fall, on Sept. 22, 2024, with a special gathering featuring a panel discussion of past and present members.
At the event, the Chair of Ontario Ancestors, Christine Woodcock, gave her congratulations to the Branch, and members talked about the history of the group and where it’s going in future.
"This is an opportunity for people who are interested in tracing their family trees," Past Chair Lori Kay told Oakville News.
"This group will continue to be a source of information and community about tracing your family tree, when we're able to get together, it's a wonderful opportunity to talk to people face to face and share your stories."
At the event, the group brought together its "genealogy superstars," both current and former members, to share memories.
Genealogy, or tracing family history, has changed with the rise of the internet and online research tools, but the Halton-Peel Branch has continued to preserve and promote local genealogy.
The branch hosts eight to nine meetings each year, featuring guest speakers who cater to both beginners and seasoned genealogists.
"I can search online, and online is wonderful and there's all these amazing websites out there with tons of records but there's also a lot of local, more detailed things that if you don't know where to look you're going to miss really key elements in your families search," Kay said.
The Halton-Peel Branch of Ontario Ancestors meetings are open to everyone. Before the pandemic, the group alternated its monthly meetings between the Oakville Public Library's main branch and the Four Corners Branch of the Brampton Public Library.
In the past four years, meetings have shifted to a virtual format, drawing in a wider audience from across the province, the country, and even internationally.
Most meetings will remain virtual in the coming year.
"It's interesting to see what makes you, you," said Kay. "I started because I was searching for information about my great-grandmother while I did a school report. Fast forward years later, I thought 'Wouldn't it be fun if we could find out where she was from and who her mother was' and I did it and even managed to find photos."
For those interested in exploring their family history, whether from Halton or Peel Region, visit the Halton-Peel Branch’s website at www.haltonpeel.ogs.on.ca for a list of meetings or check out their Facebook page.
Each meeting covers a unique topic, from tracing local or international roots to writing about your discoveries and more.
For those interested in exploring their family history, whether from Halton or Peel Region, visit the Halton-Peel Branch’s website.
Each meeting covers a unique topic, from tracing local or international roots to writing about your discoveries and more.
Ben Brown contributed additional reporting to this story.