I found a surprising cache of documents this week: historic prisoner records for Kingston Penitentiary. In this post, I'll share two finding techniques for prisoner records at Library and Archives Canada (LAC) and at sister site Héritage Canadiana (Héritage). As noted in previous posts, the two sites share information, but I'm still working out their… Continue reading The prisoners of Kingston Pen, 1843-1890
Author: wanderernolonger
Accredited Genealogist® professional in the region of Canada Western Provinces (BC, AB, SK, MB). I love sharing what I've learned through blogging and public speaking. Member of genealogy societies across the country. My specialities are Western Canada and Chinese Canadian genealogy, and I have a deep interest in SOE F136.
Announcing: the Canadian Genealogical Virtual Research Institute (CGVRI): July 18-23, 2021
Big news: the brand new, all Canadian, virtual genealogy institute. Course 1: Immigration to Canada, coming July 18-23, 2021. Now open for registration.
Research like a Pro: Chinese genealogy
My podcast interview on Research Like a Pro, with hosts Nicole Dyer and Diana Elder, released March 1, 2021.
My new book: Getting started in Chinese genealogy
It's been two weeks since I released my new e-book Getting started in Chinese genealogy: a family historian's step by step guide (even if you don't speak or read Chinese). In this post I'd like to share some feedback, an awesome video, and give you the chance to win a free copy of your own.… Continue reading My new book: Getting started in Chinese genealogy
How do you say Happy New Year in Chinese? – Linda tries out a few phrases in Mandarin and Cantonese
Linda tries a few phrases in Chinese, and announces the release of her new book, "Getting started in Chinese genealogy"
100,000 thank yous – Past Presence celebrates a milestone
I celebrate my 100K visitor with a retrospective on Past Presence, with a look behind the curtains, some stats, and lots of thank yous.
The Saskatoon Fire Fighter Memorial
This is a post about the Fire Fighter Memorial, the men that are memorialized there, and the stories of those fires.
Last thoughts: Planning a genealogy legacy
This post is about letting your family and friends know what you most value, why it's valuable, and to whom you'd like to leave it. I'm going to talk about a subject that we genealogists both love and hate: passing on family history.
9 Reflections on 2020
I ask myself nine questions and reflect on 2020: the most memorable year of my life.
Do you have a Chinese Immigration certificate?
[Updated 6 May 2023] When I was young, I found my father's Chinese Immigration certificate in his desk. I was confused: I knew he was born in Vancouver, BC, Canada, but the document said Department of Immigration and Colonization. Was he an immigrant? Why was he an immigrant? For pity's sake, my grandfather was born… Continue reading Do you have a Chinese Immigration certificate?