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: history
Featured on Murder Most Foul Podcast
November 28, 2023 By Alicia Bertrand, M.A. in collaboration with Jim Sulanowski If you remember the Ancestry by Alicia article “Rebecca Cornell’s Death: How Elder Abuse, Ghosts, Guilt, and Legal Testimonies Mattered in 1673”, you’ll recall details about the death of Rebecca Cornell and how her ghost led to the eventual hanging of her sonContinue reading “Featured on Murder Most Foul Podcast”
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”
Getting Away with Murder: The Life of Charles W. Austin Jr.
By Alicia M. Bertrand, M.A. The following is a case study into the life of Charles William Austin Jr.[1] A boy who would be arrested, convicted, and acquitted along with his co-worker for the murder of their boss. Using newspaper accounts and government documentation, census, and death certificates, the murder case is explored. The lifeContinue reading “Getting Away with Murder: The Life of Charles W. Austin Jr.”
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“
The Man Who Loved to Sue
By Alicia Bertrand, M.A. Most of us have heard stories of frivolous lawsuits: the man who sued Kellogg’s because Froot Loops aren’t made with fruit,[1] the woman who sued a grocery store after tripping over her own child in an aisle,[2] or the man who sued his parents for creating him,[3] among others.[4] In 2020,Continue reading “The Man Who Loved to Sue”
Rebecca Cornell’s Death: How Elder Abuse, Ghosts, Guilt, and Legal Testimonies Mattered in 1673
By Alicia Bertrand, M.A. *Trigger Warning: this article deals with themes such as murder, elder abuse, suicide, and other difficult topics. There are few stories that encompass all of the topics I love: ghosts, family history, murder mysteries, and strange legal precedents. The story of Rebecca Cornell and her son Thomas embodies all of theseContinue reading “Rebecca Cornell’s Death: How Elder Abuse, Ghosts, Guilt, and Legal Testimonies Mattered in 1673”
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”
Ancestry by Alicia 