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WHr1'Y âcPRÀWEDINESDAY, FEBRLJARY 13, 19,PGE'9 Socetydigsfor he roots ofthefamily.,tree For Héritage Week, Feb. 16-23, the Whitby-Oahamia branch of t/w Ontario Genealogical Societiy las prepared the following article on 'Wao we are and what we do.' The branch contributes to t/w interpretation and p reseruat ion of Ontariols history, Durham Region in particidar. We, the Whitby-Oshaw fÏrnchý of the Ontario Genealogical Society, are actively interested in the history"o familles of old Durham and Ontario counties. This ar-ea i compoeed of the townships of Pickering, East (Oshawa) and Wet Whitby Darlington, Cartwrighit 'Clarke, Uxbridge Réach, Scgog, Scott, Brock anc' Thorah. As one of the 27-branches with more than 6,000 active members and supporters, we are people brought together by a curiosity ir the- tracing of' the genealogy of our ancestors, for we are a composite of ail those who have gone before. The Ontarlo, GenealogicaJ Society is a non-profit corporation and receives financial support from the Ministry of Culture and Communications. As a registered charitable organization, the society is authorized te accept donations, including membership dues, and te issue, from the OGS Office, 40 Orchard View Blvd., Ste. 251, Toronto, Canadian income tax receipts. Research into l9th cent i4ry churches Its mission is te encourage, bring together and assist ail those interested in the pursuit of family istory. Founded in 1961, and since 1967 working with gerealogists te co-ordinate the overal ativities of the 27 *008 branches in the 10 regions of Ontario, the Society has initiated three maor proet. In 1973, 'TeeCemetery project' wasstrtdwith the aims te identify the location of ail cemeteries in Ontario; te record ail monumental inscriptions; te, deposit transcribed records with the National Archives of Canada, the Archives of Ontario, the main 008 library and the local branch's library. To Nov. 30, 1990, the Whitby-Oshawa branch lias recorded, transcribed and printed 127 of the 167 known cemeteries within the Region of Durham. It lias also discovered, or been informed of, three abandoned and one destroyed cemetery and lias endeavoured te preserve the locations and knowledge of interred pioneers within these grounds. A second project, 'The 1871 Census Indexes of Ontario,' the branches have finished. The 30-volume series is being published by the 008. Each volume is indexed by county and contains an alphabetical listing of every head of family and every individual bearing a surname different from that of the head;, full details -of birthplace, ethnic Fi hoped by 1993 te have compiled f extant records for each of the 1 identified congregations defined. D nthe 1871 census, more tlian 7denominations were enumer- ated. Many, over the years, have amalgamated or vanislied. A book published by the society t upon completion of tliis project, 1 willihave listing of this tinformation. WVhitby-Oshawa branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society collecta and preserves genealogical and historical data; assista members, shares experiences and disseminates, practical advice i effective research' methods; promotes standards of accuracy for genealogical records; issues geneqogical publications; develope a specialized library; shares expertise i other geograplilcal areas. I Durham Region, the Witby-Oshawa branch of 008 liolds montlily meetingsa open te members ana the public, on the first Tuesday of tlie month in the Whitby Publie iàbrary auditorium*., Guest speakers help us further our research by sharing their expertise. Question and Answer, Bri and Brag evenings and Sow and Teil times enables sharing of experiences and acqurM nwle . Te branch endeavours te help beginners and te, answer queries. Our genealogical library is alo located in the Whitby Public Ljibrary. It does not circulate, but may be used for researchi. In addition, on the open ,shelves of the librsry's genealogical collection, we have donated numerous genealogical- centred books te add te reference and circulating book information. Genealogy is a subject that has roused curiosity sunce time immemorial. Iu the Bible, tlie 'liegats" begin in Genesis, and the booC of the Bible arefilled with references te family descent. Mst countries and religions around the world have oral or written records of leaders, prophets, ings, nobles and notables. Heraldry and land inheritance ~rtices of the British Mses and uroeare based on lineages and family relations. There has been a great upsurge in geuealogy and farnily histery hunting since the miui-series 'Roots' based on Alex Hailey's book, appeared on North Aznerican TV in the early seventies. a more complete famly record. We are also able t.> have access te the local LDS family history centre in Oshawa which can aid with use of t7heir records, both local and at Salt Lake City, Utah. Whitby-Oshawa branch 'Invites interestedpeople te visit with us. Our bach, representing the old counties of Ontario and Durham, is gradually amassing quite a library on those who came te, settled, lived, died or moved rorn the area now knownm as the Region of Durham. "Networking" enables contac- ting others looking further afield as well as exchanging data with other local organizations and even going world-wide in genealogical family searching. Iu genealogy we not only dig for our roots, but, the family tree lias many branches te be'leafed" out. There are always plenty of activities and sights to enjoy during the winter at John Brouwer Garden and Landscaping Centre. lt's a terrific place to bringthe family and spend the day. The outdoor ice skating rink is now open for good fun and,, great outdoor.exercise. Enjoy a leisurely skate accompanied by music every day of the week until 8 p.m. Afterwards, why notstop in for a hotý chocolate and- a hot dog? There are'also plenty of. animais to meet and feed including' a number 0f"'deer, 'donkeys,, liamas, goats and even a baby lamb. Beautiful swans also spend. thé inrmohsse 1renely swimmilng in the outdoor pond. There are plenty ,0f -things to see and do inside the gardening and landscaping centre as well. Two large, indoor, glass enclosedponds feature an exciting array of colourful birds from Canada and around the world. Don't forget that Feb. l4th is Valentine's Day. On Saturday, Feb. 9th and Sunday, Feb., lO0th there wiII be FREE heart-shaped helium filled balloons for the kids. '(While, quantities last.) And why flot conclude your visit with a leisurely stroîl through the vast retail store and three greenhouses filIQd-with beautiful plants? It's truly a day well spent. 650 Lakerldge Road South, Ajax, Ontario Li S 4S7 Telephone: 686-1545 or 686-1680 Open: Monday to Friday: 9 amn to 9pm