By Alicia M. Bertrand, M.A. March 24, 2024 Peterborough’s courthouse has stood atop a hill overlooking parts of downtown Peterborough and casts a sense of authority over its citizens since 1842. The courthouse is one of the earliest courthouses constructed in Ontario. The threat of solitary life in a tiny jail cell of the PeterboroughContinue reading “The Gavel vs. Wrecking Ball: The History and Partial Demolition of the Peterborough Courthouse and Jail”
Tag Archives: canadian history
A Prince Edward County Cemetery Adventure
By Alicia Bertrand, M.A. August 25, 2023 On August 19, 2023, my dad, brother, fiancé and I travelled to several cities in Prince Edward County to search for my ancestors’ headstones. There were highlights and challenges that I’d like to share with readers so that if anyone wants to go on a similar journey, youContinue reading “A Prince Edward County Cemetery Adventure”
Why the Release of the 1931 Canada Census is Exciting, and Not Just for Genealogists
Why the Release of the 1931 Canada Census is Exciting, and Not Just for Genealogists By Alicia M. Bertrand After 92 years, the 1931 Canada Census (the Census) will be released to the public on Thursday, June 1, 2023. For genealogists, the release is exciting for research purposes and being able to unlock unknown informationContinue reading “Why the Release of the 1931 Canada Census is Exciting, and Not Just for Genealogists”
Genealogical Resources for Black Canadians
Updated February 2024Originally posted January 2023 By Alicia Bertrand, M.A. Whether your family has been in Canada for hundreds of years, or you’re a first-generation Canadian, Black Canadians have numerous barriers to compiling family research.[1] Barriers such as institutionalized racism, a lack of representation in government documentation, a lack of representation in the histories ofContinue reading “Genealogical Resources for Black Canadians”
The History of Halloween in Canada
By Alicia Bertrand, M.A. Updated October 2023, originally published in October 2022 Canadians LOVE Halloween. We love to dress up in our costumes, even if we have to wear our snowsuits underneath. Canadian adults love lining up in the rain or sleet to get into a bar to win “Best Costume” and flirt with Dracula,Continue reading “The History of Halloween in Canada“
Long Distance Love in the 1940s: A Tale of Devotion from My Grandparents’ Love Letters
By Alicia Bertrand, M.A. Those of you who are in modern day long-distance relationship may have the technology to see and communicate with your partner from afar. Couples can use Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp, etc. to chat at a moments notice and find their partner to be more responsive by these face-to-face remote communication applications.[1] ThoseContinue reading “Long Distance Love in the 1940s: A Tale of Devotion from My Grandparents’ Love Letters”
Toronto’s Christmas Time Train Incident: A Tragedy for the Engineer, a Blessing for Passengers
By Alicia Bertrand, M.A. In December 1906, dozens of Torontonians were out on trains and streetcars getting their last-minute Christmas shopping done, or travelling for the holiday to visit friends and family. On December 22, 1906, passengers of the express Canadian Pacific Railway (C.P.R) train from Toronto to Hamilton, and passengers on the other trainsContinue reading “Toronto’s Christmas Time Train Incident: A Tragedy for the Engineer, a Blessing for Passengers”
A History of Murder and Mayhem 2021: a Presentation in Partnership with Oshawa Public Libraries
Interested in Oshawa’s history or true crime? I’ll be presenting my research into Oshawa’s dark past in a presentation in partnership with the Oshawa Public Libraries on August 26th, 2021 at 6:00 PM EST via Zoom. Registration is limited so get your spot now! I would love for you to attend if you’re interested! EvenContinue reading “A History of Murder and Mayhem 2021: a Presentation in Partnership with Oshawa Public Libraries”
Two Families Under Lockdown (1918 vs. 2020): A Micro-History Case Study
Photos from Findagrave.com, it is of the Allen couple’s headstone. Originally published on LinkedIn: March 11, 2021 If you live in a home that is over 100 years old and you’re going stir-crazy from the COVID-19 lockdown/stay-at-home orders, imagine the person who sat in your house in 1918-1919 to avoid the Spanish Flu pandemic. AfterContinue reading “Two Families Under Lockdown (1918 vs. 2020): A Micro-History Case Study”
Marrying Up, an Estate Dispute in 1910 (Things Haven’t Changed Much in over a Century)
Photo credit: The Winnipeg Tribune, November 28, 1912, pg 1. Originally published on LinkedIn: January 16, 2021 In my personal time, I do a lot of historical research, both as a writer and as a genealogist. While combing through newspaper archives, I came across an estate dispute from 1910 that could be taken from theContinue reading “Marrying Up, an Estate Dispute in 1910 (Things Haven’t Changed Much in over a Century)”
Ancestry by Alicia 