Events - Future Events View
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VGS Learning and Research Centre
Sat, Nov 2, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Get your family history journey off to a great start! Join four experienced family historians on an engaging half-day journey through the most important topics and tools in family history. They will help you build good habits early that will set you up for success for years to come.
This seminar is designed specifically for people new to family history and for people returning to family history after a break from their research. No prior experience is required.
Water, Tea, Coffee, and Snacks are provided.
Lunch is not included with the seminar. There are several conveniently located food outlets, and a grocery store, within easy walking distance of the genealogy centre. You may bring your own food or beverage if you wish.
This is an in-person only event at our VGS Centre, with a limit of 15 attendees. It includes four 1-hour sessions. Our genealogy centre, located on the second floor, will be open at 8:30 am and the seminar will begin at 9:00 am.
Tue, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:30 AM
The Ireland SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in the Ireland.
SIG Leader: Kathie Ross
Wed, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM
The Scottish SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Scotland.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Pat Rosson
Fri, Nov 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM
The Netherlands SIG welcomes all members who are researching their Dutch family history in the Netherlands.
IN PERSON ONLY.
SIG Leader: Frans Compeer
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Wed, Nov 13, 2024 at 10:30 AM
HYBRID MEETINGS via ZOOM or at the VGS CENTRE.
The England SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in England.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Gerry Poulton
VGS Learning and Research Centre
The Bay Street Armoury (BSA) opened in 1915, a “Castle on Bay Street”, remains a mystery to most people living in Greater Victoria.
John Azar, long time VGS member, will share images and explain the design and construction of the building, its use as a military establishment and the significant role the building has played in the community life of Greater Victoria. He will also explain how VGS members can engage with the two regimental museums for genealogical research on ancestors who may have served at the armoury.
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 1:30 PM
Learn, share, and contribute your experiences with DNA testing and genealogy research. Learn more about your options if you haven‘t tested your DNA yet.
Tue, Nov 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM
The goals of this SIG are to introduce and share the fun of doing family history, and to encourage and show members how to do it themselves. Answer questions.
Geared to new members just starting out, and any active members who would like to brush up on their skills.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
Tue, Nov 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM
The focus will be on researching items that have been donated to the VGS. Learn to identify clues by careful observation and search for answers in the many sources we have available. The aim is to return found items to their families whenever possible.
Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 10:30 AM
The Ontario SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Ontario, Canada.
SIG Coordinator: Gerry Poulton
Free to active VGS members. Members must join this and other Special Interest Groups to receive emails from SIG volunteers containing SIG meeting details.
Thu, Nov 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Countries investigated by this SIG include Romania, Belarus, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, and Herzegovina.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
Sat, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Family Tree Maker Ambassador Mark Olsen is looking forward to putting on the following Zoom event with the Victoria Genealogical Society. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about the great features, tools, and abilities of Family Tree Maker software today, and the new features of the soon-to-be-released FTM 2024. The workshop will be run as if it was a Family Tree Maker User Group with lots of tips, tricks and Q&A.
Mark Olsen is the Family Tree Maker Ambassador to historical and genealogical societies around the world working to support their members as they use Family Tree Maker software.
VGS Learning and Research Centre
This engaging workshop will show you the best resources and proven techniques for tracing your Quebec ancestors. Whether you‘re just beginning your family history journey or seeking to deepen your research, this workshop will show you how to identify and document your Quebec family story.
Denis Fortier has been pursuing genealogy for about 15 years. He is currently a member of the VGS, Ontario Ancestors and UELAC. He serves as the Victoria UELAC branch genealogist. Denis was born in Quebec and most of his own family research centers on that Province.
Tue, Dec 3, 2024 at 10:30 AM
The Ireland SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in the Ireland.
SIG Leader: Kathie Ross
Wed, Dec 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM
The Scottish SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Scotland.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Pat Rosson
Sat, Dec 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Presenter: Andrea Kaston Tange. Most of us know our ancestors only through fading bits of paper: sepia photographs or family recipes, public records, the occasional packet of letters. What does it take to build coherent stories out of such tantalizing fragments of lives? This workshop explores research and writing strategies for constructing family memoirs, drawing on examples from a project set in Miami in the 1920s.
Andrea Kaston Tange is an accomplished professor and published author who has expertise in researching and writing family stories.
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Wed, Dec 11, 2024 at 10:30 AM
HYBRID MEETINGS via ZOOM or at the VGS CENTRE.
The England SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in England.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Gerry Poulton
Thu, Dec 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM
ATTENDANCE VIA ZOOM ONLY.
With the publication of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, the year 1843 was a turning point in the story of the celebration of Christmas, as well as the year in which Fort Victoria was first established on Vancouver Island. Several decades later, local author and editor of the British Colonist newspaper, D.W. Higgins, wrote an evocative tale entitled “My First Christmas Dinner in Old Victoria”, reflecting upon his 1860 holiday season in gold rush Victoria. Join historian Kate Humble to explore holiday traditions in the early decades of colonial Victoria and contemporary Britain, with the twin tales of Dickens and Higgins as literary lenses.
Fri, Dec 13, 2024 at 10:00 AM
The Netherlands SIG welcomes all members who are researching their Dutch family history in the Netherlands.
IN PERSON ONLY.
SIG Leader: Frans Compeer
Tue, Dec 17, 2024 at 7:00 PM
The focus will be on researching items that have been donated to the VGS. Learn to identify clues by careful observation and search for answers in the many sources we have available. The aim is to return found items to their families whenever possible.
Tue, Jan 7, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Ireland SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in the Ireland.
SIG Leader: Kathie Ross
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 10:30 AM
HYBRID MEETINGS via ZOOM or at the VGS CENTRE.
The England SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in England.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Gerry Poulton
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Join Kathie for an introduction to transcriptions of early modern handwriting. This workshop will provide you with an understanding of the different hands (types of writing) seen over the last several hundreds of years and give you some tips and tricks to assist in your transcribing. It will introduce letter forms, abbreviations, numbers, money and dates.
Kathie Ross, PhD, has a post-graduate certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde where she focused her studies on palaeography.
Wed, Jan 15, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Ontario SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Ontario, Canada.
SIG Coordinator: Gerry Poulton
Free to active VGS members. Members must join this and other Special Interest Groups to receive emails from SIG volunteers containing SIG meeting details.
Thu, Jan 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Countries investigated by this SIG include Romania, Belarus, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, and Herzegovina.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Mon, Jan 20, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Learn, share, and contribute your experiences with DNA testing and genealogy research. Learn more about your options if you haven‘t tested your DNA yet.
Tue, Jan 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The goals of this SIG are to introduce and share the fun of doing family history, and to encourage and show members how to do it themselves. Answer questions.
Geared to new members just starting out, and any active members who would like to brush up on their skills.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
Tue, Jan 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The focus will be on researching items that have been donated to the VGS. Learn to identify clues by careful observation and search for answers in the many sources we have available. The aim is to return found items to their families whenever possible.
Tue, Feb 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Ireland SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in the Ireland.
SIG Leader: Kathie Ross
Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The Scottish SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Scotland.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Pat Rosson
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Wed, Feb 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM
HYBRID MEETINGS via ZOOM or at the VGS CENTRE.
The England SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in England.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Gerry Poulton
Sat, Feb 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Beyond the Index: A Deep Dive into Norwegian Church Records. ?
Unlock the hidden treasures of Norwegian church records with expert genealogist Torhild Shirley, AG®. Torhild will guide you beyond basic indexes to discover a wealth of genealogical gold. From decoding feast day calendars to unraveling Norwegian naming traditions, you‘ll gain invaluable insights into christenings, confirmations, marriages, and more.
Torhild Shirley, AG® has over 30 years experience in genealogical research, specializing in Scandinavian research, covering Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. She is the president of Scandinavian Family Research Services, which can be found at Scandinavianfamily.com
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Learn, share, and contribute your experiences with DNA testing and genealogy research. Learn more about your options if you haven‘t tested your DNA yet.
Tue, Feb 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The goals of this SIG are to introduce and share the fun of doing family history, and to encourage and show members how to do it themselves. Answer questions.
Geared to new members just starting out, and any active members who would like to brush up on their skills.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
Tue, Feb 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The focus will be on researching items that have been donated to the VGS. Learn to identify clues by careful observation and search for answers in the many sources we have available. The aim is to return found items to their families whenever possible.
Wed, Feb 19, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Ontario SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Ontario, Canada.
SIG Coordinator: Gerry Poulton
Free to active VGS members. Members must join this and other Special Interest Groups to receive emails from SIG volunteers containing SIG meeting details.
Thu, Feb 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Countries investigated by this SIG include Romania, Belarus, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, and Herzegovina.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
Sat, Feb 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Sometimes the problem is too big, too complicated, or has too many moving parts to be handled in any other tool. If only Excel could speak genealogy a bit better!
This engaging workshop will highlight the challenges faced by people who manage their family memorabilia that are well suited to Excel and some of the most useful and efficient approaches for handling them. Key strategies will be highlighted for dealing with the curve balls that frustrate family archivists every day in their use of Excel.
Mark Thompson is a professional genealogist and educator who specializes in genetic genealogy and researching personal family archives. He combines genetic and traditional genealogical research to help his clients shed light on their family histories and mysteries.
Mark makes extensive use of Excel, Google Sheets and AirTable to help track and analyze information in his genealogy work. Mark has been using, and teaching people how to use, spreadsheets for over 30 years.
Tue, Mar 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Ireland SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in the Ireland.
SIG Leader: Kathie Ross
Wed, Mar 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The Scottish SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Scotland.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Pat Rosson
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM
HYBRID MEETINGS via ZOOM or at the VGS CENTRE.
The England SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in England.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Gerry Poulton
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Mon, Mar 17, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Learn, share, and contribute your experiences with DNA testing and genealogy research. Learn more about your options if you haven‘t tested your DNA yet.
Tue, Mar 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The goals of this SIG are to introduce and share the fun of doing family history, and to encourage and show members how to do it themselves. Answer questions.
Geared to new members just starting out, and any active members who would like to brush up on their skills.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
Tue, Mar 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The focus will be on researching items that have been donated to the VGS. Learn to identify clues by careful observation and search for answers in the many sources we have available. The aim is to return found items to their families whenever possible.
Wed, Mar 19, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Ontario SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Ontario, Canada.
SIG Coordinator: Gerry Poulton
Free to active VGS members. Members must join this and other Special Interest Groups to receive emails from SIG volunteers containing SIG meeting details.
Thu, Mar 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Countries investigated by this SIG include Romania, Belarus, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, and Herzegovina.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Find a GRAVE is the world‘s largest gravesite collection with millions of cemetery records. After addressing the five W questions (why, what, where, when and who), Mike will focus on how you can use the program to optimize your own family history research and records. This will focus on search features, navigation, linkages with Ancestry.com, volunteer opportunities, and additional features that come from acquiring a free account. Mike Woodcock is the Vice President with the Victoria Genealogical Society (VGS). He is the Past President of the Victoria Branch of the United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada (UELAC) and remains on the Victoria Branch Executive with responsibility for Membership and Outreach. Mike is also a member of the Old Cemeteries Society, Victoria Historical Society, and the Saanich Pioneer Society.
Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Ireland SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in the Ireland.
SIG Leader: Kathie Ross
Wed, Apr 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The Scottish SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Scotland.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Pat Rosson
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Wed, Apr 9, 2025 at 10:30 AM
HYBRID MEETINGS via ZOOM or at the VGS CENTRE.
The England SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in England.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Gerry Poulton
Tue, Apr 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The goals of this SIG are to introduce and share the fun of doing family history, and to encourage and show members how to do it themselves. Answer questions.
Geared to new members just starting out, and any active members who would like to brush up on their skills.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
Tue, Apr 15, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The focus will be on researching items that have been donated to the VGS. Learn to identify clues by careful observation and search for answers in the many sources we have available. The aim is to return found items to their families whenever possible.
Wed, Apr 16, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Ontario SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Ontario, Canada.
SIG Coordinator: Gerry Poulton
Free to active VGS members. Members must join this and other Special Interest Groups to receive emails from SIG volunteers containing SIG meeting details.
Thu, Apr 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Countries investigated by this SIG include Romania, Belarus, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, and Herzegovina.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Mon, Apr 21, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Learn, share, and contribute your experiences with DNA testing and genealogy research. Learn more about your options if you haven‘t tested your DNA yet.
Sat, Apr 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Join four leading genetic genealogy experts for an exciting DNA Day seminar. Discover how to transform your family history research using the power of all three DNA testing types: Autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and mitochondrial DNA. Plus, learn how to run your own DNA project at Family Tree DNA.
Don‘t miss this excellent opportunity to learn from these highly respected educators: Blaine Bettinger, Jim Brewster, Mags Gaulden, and David Vance.
This seminar is a ZOOM ONLY event. It includes four 1-hour sessions, with 10-minute breaks and a 45-minute lunch break between sessions
Tue, May 6, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Ireland SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in the Ireland.
SIG Leader: Kathie Ross
Wed, May 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The Scottish SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Scotland.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Pat Rosson
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Wed, May 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM
HYBRID MEETINGS via ZOOM or at the VGS CENTRE.
The England SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in England.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Gerry Poulton
Thu, May 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Countries investigated by this SIG include Romania, Belarus, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, and Herzegovina.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Mon, May 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Learn, share, and contribute your experiences with DNA testing and genealogy research. Learn more about your options if you haven‘t tested your DNA yet.
Tue, May 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The goals of this SIG are to introduce and share the fun of doing family history, and to encourage and show members how to do it themselves. Answer questions.
Geared to new members just starting out, and any active members who would like to brush up on their skills.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
Tue, May 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The focus will be on researching items that have been donated to the VGS. Learn to identify clues by careful observation and search for answers in the many sources we have available. The aim is to return found items to their families whenever possible.
Wed, May 21, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Ontario SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Ontario, Canada.
SIG Coordinator: Gerry Poulton
Free to active VGS members. Members must join this and other Special Interest Groups to receive emails from SIG volunteers containing SIG meeting details.
Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Ireland SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in the Ireland.
SIG Leader: Kathie Ross
Wed, Jun 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The Scottish SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Scotland.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Pat Rosson
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Wed, Jun 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM
HYBRID MEETINGS via ZOOM or at the VGS CENTRE.
The England SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in England.
SIG Leader: Heather Shave
SIG Assist: Gerry Poulton
Tue, Jun 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The goals of this SIG are to introduce and share the fun of doing family history, and to encourage and show members how to do it themselves. Answer questions.
Geared to new members just starting out, and any active members who would like to brush up on their skills.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.
Tue, Jun 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The focus will be on researching items that have been donated to the VGS. Learn to identify clues by careful observation and search for answers in the many sources we have available. The aim is to return found items to their families whenever possible.
Wed, Jun 18, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Ontario SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in Ontario, Canada.
SIG Coordinator: Gerry Poulton
Free to active VGS members. Members must join this and other Special Interest Groups to receive emails from SIG volunteers containing SIG meeting details.
Thu, Jun 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Countries investigated by this SIG include Romania, Belarus, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, and Herzegovina.
In-person only at the VGS Centre.