Census records focus of Quinte Genealogical Society workshop

By Taylor Broderick

BELLEVILLE—The Quinte Branch, of the Ontario Genealogical Society is hosting a digital presentation about the importance of Canadian census records this Saturday.

The presentation is designed to show how people can make the most of Canadian census records in order to gain a better understanding of one’s ancestors and family tree.

John Carew, chair of the Quinte Branch Genealogical Society, explained that the presentation covers the Canadian Census documents leading up to the 1921 Canadian census.

Carew says that genealogy is fast becoming a popular hobby; there are so many different ways to do research and find family history that goes back decades.

“During the second half of a person’s life, their [prospective] changes,” Carew says.

People become more interested in knowing “who they are and where they came from”. That is where the importance of genealogy comes in, Carew says.

Starting from 1995 to present day, there is much more “weight of effort put into research,” there are archives, libraries and databases that make access to past documents much easier, Carew explains.

Though online databases are useful, sometimes people need to get into their cars and drive to the library in order to dig deeper, Carew says.

Kathryn Lake Hogan, will be giving the presentation.

The digital presentation will be held in the Quinte West Public Library this upcoming Saturday from 1:00-3:00 p.m.