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”
Tag Archives: history
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
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 of cities and towns, withholdingContinue reading “Genealogical Resources for Black Canadians”
The History of Halloween in Canada
By Alicia Bertrand, M.A. 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, a Minion, or a zombie nurse.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”
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”
In My Blood: Witches of Massachusetts
By Alicia Bertrand, M.A. September 10, 2021 In my blood, there are two women who were legally murdered by local judges, religious leaders, and townspeople in Massachusetts in the 1600s. They were accused, tried, and hanged for witchcraft. When one uses modern rationale, one of these women, Alice Lake,[1] suffered from grief. The second, SusannahContinue reading “In My Blood: Witches of Massachusetts”
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”
Ancestry by Alicia 