A lesson in genealogy
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- Published on Monday, June 6, 2016
By Diane Kowalchuk
Do you know where you came from? Do you know who your grandmother was named after? Do you know which of your ancestors was the first to come to Canada and why he/she ended up here? Do you know what your great-grandfather on your father’s side did for a living? How he died? Where he is buried?
To some, the answers to these questions might not be of any interest. Most people, however, have a hunger to know about family. One such person is Linda Earl, a psychiatric nurse who has a passion for genealogy. Linda was a guest at the May 13 meeting of Rivers Women’s Institute (WI), held at the home of Helen Stewart. Linda talked about the types of genealogy, the resources (online and actual “sites”) and how she became “hooked.” She is a member of the South West Manitoba Branch of Manitoba Genealogy Society. Housed in Knox United Church in Brandon, this organization meets regularly to learn and to share. Linda answered many questions about her personal search for answers and about the science of genealogy in general. It was a pleasure to welcome her to a WI meeting.
The business included a variety of items. Members raised some money by selling Vesey Bulbs; they signed up to deliver Meals on Wheels in June. Rivers WI passed a motion to give the usual graduation award and the local renewed its membership in Ag in the Classroom. Everyone was delighted to hear Georgina Bollman’s account of her trip to Winnipeg to celebrate the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth at the residence of the Lieutenant Governor. Yvonne Gustafson gave a detailed report of the successful Manitoba WI convention held May 6-7 at Clear Lake. Yvonne was the delegate for our branch and carried 10 proxy votes. Dianne Kowalchuk and Arenda Vanderdeen were on the planning committee for the event; Joanne Bos and Michelle McFadden attended the Friday afternoon session and evening banquet.
Although a regular WI meeting will not be held again until September, plans have been made for the annual June tour. This year on Friday, June 10 members and friends will travel to Shilo to visit the women’s exhibit at the Royal Canadian Artillery Museum. The more the merrier! If you would like to come along, call Michelle at 204-328-7441 or Dianne at 204-328-7690.
