Welcome to the website of the Nanaimo Family History Society. Our society was  formed in 1981 and is one of the oldest family history societies in British Columbia.

Our society strives to create a friendly atmosphere where people interested in genealogical research and family history, not only in Nanaimo, but also across Canada and around the world can come together. We promote, foster and encourage members to learn the principles, methods and effective techniques of genealogical research. We also collect, preserve, display and share information that may lead to a greater understanding of genealogy.

Our meetings are held on the third Monday of each month (except July and August) at 7:00 p.m. in the Beban Park Social Centre, Rooms 7 and 8, 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC.

We hope you enjoy your visit to our site.

REGISTRATION FORM

SPEAKERS : STEPS TO OUR ANCESTORS WORKSHOP

9:00 a.m.                              Registration and Sign-In
9:30 – 10:30                         Brenda L. Smith                                                Firm Steps on the Ancestral Trail
10:45 – 11:45                       Brenda L. Smith                                                Can You Prove That?
11:45 – 1:00                         Luncheon Break
1:00 – 2:00                           Dave Obee                                                        Immigration: Destination Canada
2:15 – 3:15                           Marie Palmer                                                    Getting Started With DNA Testing
3:30 – 4:15                           Now Let’s Put it All Into Practice!

FIRM STEPS ON THE ANCESTRAL TRAIL
Brenda L. Smith

Where do we start? What tools do we need? Where do we look? Are we on the right path?

CAN YOU PROVE THAT? STANDARDS OF PROOF FOR FAMILY RESEARCH
Brenda L. Smith

Examine qualities of evidence and apply standards of proof. Develop and practice data interpretation and assessment techniques that help you place each piece of evidence on the continuum of proof.

Brenda L. Smith is a writer, researcher and presenter at genealogy seminars. She is Chair of the Maple Ridge Community Heritage Commission and is a founding member of Maple Ridge Family History.

IMMIGRATION: DESTINATION CANADA
Dave Obee

This session deals with a wide variety of sources that deal with immigration to Canada, including ship passenger lists, border crossing, naturalization and citizenship documents. Many of these sources have been indexed and placed online, however, it pays to know the scope and limitation of those internet resources and how to obtain information from other sources.

Dave Obee is a journalist and genealogical researcher who has written a dozen books and given more than 600 presentations at conferences and seminars in Canada, the U.S. and Australia.

GETTING STARTED WITH DNA TESTING
Marie Palmer

Find out about the different types of DNA testing that are available and which might be best for your needs. This session will cover ethnicity estimates, privacy issues, and how to use your results and matches to help break through brick walls in your family tree.

Marie Palmer is a professional genealogist and educator, who teaches a variety of genealogy courses. She holds a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University, currently co-chairs her Pro-Gen study group, and has completed the Advanced DNA course at the genealogical research institute of Pittsburgh.

Members from the British Columbia Genealogical Society will be attending with their publications for sale during the workshop.   Dave Obee will also be selling his publications in the afternoon session.

REGISTRATION FORM