Events - Future Events View
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location, fees and any rules regarding attendance; you can also register for events from this screen.
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VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
Mon, Dec 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM
The United States SIG welcomes all members who are researching their family history in the USA.
SIG Leader: Pat Rosson
VIA ZOOM ONLY
VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
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
VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
Thu, Dec 12, 2024 at 7:00 PM
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.
VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
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
VGS Center Open - Noon to 4pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Sat, Dec 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Please join us at our Genealogy Learning and Research Centre between 1 pm and 3 pm on Saturday, Dec 14th for our Christmas Open House. Meet the friendly folks at VGS and enjoy light refreshments as we celebrate this festive holiday.
Please drop in. Bring a friend. No registration is required. Members and non-members are welcome!
VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
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. The SIG Leader will email the Zoom link to those who have joined this SIG, a day or two before this meeting.
VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
ONTARIO SIG - CANCELLED FOR CHRISTMAS
Ontario Special Interest Group usually held the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
VGS Members Update scheduled to be emailed
VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
VGS Center Open - Noon to 4pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
SCOTLAND SIG RESCHEDULED - SEE JAN 2
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
Thu, Jan 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 CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
VGS CENTRE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
We‘re open again on Monday through Saturday starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
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 Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
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 Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
Thu, Jan 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM
ATTENDANCE VIA ZOOM ONLY.
Join Mike Woodcock as he explores the early family history of the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island, including the first squatters, ex-Hudson Bay Company settlers, gold rush impacts, land speculators and early industry. Mike Woodcock is the Vice President with the Victoria Genealogical Society (VGS).
VGS Center Open - Noon to 3pm
For directions and more details about our VGS Centre, please visit our Location page in the About US menu.
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.
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Whether you are new to genealogy, or not-so-new, this workshop should have something for you. By using an easy to follow, step-by-step guide, the workshop reviews many important genealogy research techniques and tools. Starting with the genealogy basics the workshop progresses to an introduction of how today’s technologies are used by genealogists. Merv Scott and his wife are retired and now reside in rural North Saanich after nearly 40 years of city living in Victoria. Merv joined the Victoria Genealogical Society (VGS) shortly after retiring and has volunteered in several capacities over the years since.
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
Thu, Feb 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
ATTENDANCE VIA ZOOM ONLY.
In this presentation, Terry will share the highlights of a genealogy journey she began in the 1970‘s. She will recount her experiences during the "old days" of family history research, identify major challenges in studying Mennonite, Métis, and Royal Ancestry, and reveal some surprising discoveries she made along the way. Tips and techniques applicable to other researchers will be interspersed throughout the presentation.
Terry Hartley is a seasoned genealogist and an active member of the Nanaimo Family History Society, as well as several other genealogy societies and study groups. She is passionate about all aspects of family history.
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.
VGS Learning and Research Centre
The parish registers of the Church of England exist from the late 1500’s to the present day and are the main source for genealogical information before the start of Civil Registration in 1837, and the census in 1841. The registers were created to record bapisms, marriages and burials but the information recorded varies over time. Besides the Church of England which was the Established Church, other denominations (non-conformist) also kept records.
Learn about the registers, their location, how to access them, and the challenges in using them.
Heather Shave is a long standing member of the Victoria Genealogical Society. She has instructed many workshops over the years, especially about England and Scotland, her areas of expertise.
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
VGS Learning and Research Centre
Your local public library is a rich source of research and storytelling resources to help you in your genealogical practice. Learn more about the practical resources available here in Victoria at the Greater Victoria Public Library, as well as what other hidden gems you might be able to find by contacting local libraries around the world. Caitlin Ottenbreit is a public services librarian on the Arts, Culture & Heritage portfolio at the Greater Victoria Public Library.
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.