The Yorkton branch of the Saskatchewan Genealogy Society will be holding their next regular meeting on Tuesday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Western Development Museum, Yorkton. Special guest will be Mitch Wlock speaking about "Interesting Experiences in
Genealogical Research." Mitch has written two family history books, and done much assorted genealogy research for several different projects. He will have many interesting stories to share. Everyone is welcome! For more information call Dave at 783-1093 or Glenn 782-7969.
A wealth of genealogy information can be found at the CanGenealogy site: www.cangenealogy.com. Log on and you will find links to sites like Vital Statistics, which contains records of births from more than a century ago; Saskatchewan Provincial Records, including homesteads, municipal records, township registers, and more; the Saskatchewan Judicial District Court Records; the Saskatchewan Cemeteries Project, with information on more than 700 cemeteries; and the Saskatchewan Homestead Index, which is described as follows: "The index is a database of homestead files at the Saskatchewan Archives, containing 360,000 references to the men and women who, from 1872 to 1930 took part in the homestead process in the area now known as Saskatchewan. Unlike the Library and Archives site above, this site includes people who were NOT successful in obtaining a land grant. It always pays to check for homesteads - you may be surprised!"
The site also has links to interesting and important information about the development of the province in its early years. Becoming familiar with the life of the pioneers, in the context of how the province was developed in that time period, will help to bring your ancestors to life. An important resource is your local Western Development Museum. Log on to www.wdmprairiegamble.com and read the stories of many individuals and churches. The Western Development Museum offers a unique opportunity for families to preserve their family history, with stories and pictures, in the "Family History Album". As the site explains, the WDM offers you the chance to "Share the stories your grandparents told you - stories of survival and success that have shaped Saskatchewan today. All Saskatchewan-based stories of family, community, organization and business history are welcome. The Family History Album is a perfect celebration of anniversaries, birthdays and family milestones like becoming a Century Farm. The gift of your story along with your $500 tax deductible donation supports heritage preservation and presentation at four Western Development Museum sites." For more information about this very special project, contact the Western Development Museum.
The best genealogy information for your family tree begins within your own family, and the sooner the better. Talk to your family members and write down their stories. Also, value all stories equally. Stories from the 50's are already sixty years old or more; that doesn't seem like "history", but it is. Write it all down and recognize that it is as important as older stories. To future generations of your family, stories from the 50's will be one day be "from a century ago". All information is important!
Every family has a story: discover yours with the Yorkton Branch of the Saskatchewan Genealogy Society!
