GENEALOGY DROP-IN CLASS
FACILITATOR: PAUL ROSE
Paul Rose is a dedicated historian and registered genealogist, has passionately pursued genealogy since his teens, tracing his ancestry back to 1100.
Paul would love to discuss some points of interest with you at pr*******@***il.com
Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month, except July and August for summer break.
- WSAC Boardroom
- 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Facilitator: Paul Rose
- $3.00 drop-in fee
- Bring your interest in Genealogy
- laptop, IPAD, tablet, or paper and a pen!
New members are always welcome! Guests are welcome to join for a one-time visit.
QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT OUR PROGRAM TEAM
- Phone: 780-483-1209 Ext. 228
- Email: pr******@*******rs.ca
- Visit our front desk
GENEALOGY DROP-IN UPCOMING TOPICS
Wednesday December 3, 2025 – Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for more Effective Genealogical Research and Storytelling
Speaker: Jean-Yves Vanier-Verbeek from the Edmonton branch of AGS
We are pleased to have Jean-Yves Vanier-Verbeek explaining the basic principles of AI, presenting examples of its use in genealogy, and discussing the arrival of ChatGPT and its impact across various fields. This should be an interesting topic as the introduction of AI in genealogy today and into the future brings a huge impact on how we pursue the research of our family history.
In addition, and as time permits, Don Bowling will be demonstrating the use of some of the AI search tools used in genealogy such as ChatGPT. Don has asked that if you could email a copy of a family picture or family document, and he will demonstrate what is available using AI to enhance/modify/interpret the item. Pictures can be animated, unreadable documents can be interpreted even though in poor condition or in a non-English language. Please forward your item to either;
Don at do*****@***il.com or Paul at pr*******@***il.com
Please send your submission to either of us by Monday, December 1, 2025 to ensure there is time to include it in Don’s presentation.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 – Naturalization Records & Googling for Grandma
1. Naturalization Records – What are They and How can they help with Genealogical Research?
- Thea Hawryluk will be presenting on the topic of Canadian Naturalization records – what are they, what value do they play in genealogical research, and where can we find them. Canadian Records go back as far as the 1820s through to the 1950s and can provide additional insight into our ancestors’ origins, residence, occupation, age and other valuable information.
2. Googling for Grandma
- Ashley Rother will present on the topic of “Googling for Grandma’ as developed by Cyndi Ingle, the creator and innovator behind the award-winning and globally recognized CyndisList.com. In a webinar presented by Cyndi she provides the following insight “Chances are that you are using Google on a daily basis. Chances are even better that you aren’t using it to its full potential. Learn about Google’s advance search options, and several more tools offered by Google that will enhance your research.”
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 – British Home Children
Dale Rutherford is arranging for a guest speaker to present on the heart-rending story of “The Little Immigrants” to Canada – The British Home Children. Over 100,000 impoverished children from the United Kingdom were sent to British dominions such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand between the 1860s and 1940s. Facilitated by charitable organizations, they were sent with the belief that they would have a better life although many were sent to work as cheap labour on farms and in households. While some had positive experiences, many faced abuse, neglect, and hardship.
The presentation may be in person or via Zoom.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 – Cemeteries and Family Research & Homestead Records
1. Cemeteries and Family Research
The value of information found in cemeteries and cemetery records goes unsaid. Thea Hawryluk will be presenting on the sources available using cemetery records to research your ancestors. These records provide a fascinating insight into the story of our family above and beyond just names and dates.
2. Homestead Records
Hazel Elborne will be presenting on the use and role of Homestead Records as part of genealogical research. Homestead records are useful in genealogical research because they contain both land and biographical information about the applicant such as age, place of birth, former place of residence, date of entry on the land, marital status and naturalization record if available.
📂 ARCHIVED TOPICS
Click HERE to review our past topics and resources from our Genealogy Drop-In sessions!
💻 HELPFUL GENEALOGY WEBSITES
Explore a list of websites our group has used or referenced in past meetings. A great starting point for your family history research!
🗂️ GENEALOGY DOCUMENTS, REFERENCES, GUIDES & SOFTWARE OPTIONS
Curious about how to store your research? View our two-page list of Genealogy Documents, References, Guides and Software Options, that can help you organize and preserve your family history digitally.
CHECK OUT THE GENEALOGY GROUP NEWSLETTER
Active Aging Series: GENEALOGY & HISTORIC EDMONTON
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, we hosted our Active Aging Series: Genealogy & Historic Edmonton. It was a wonderful morning as we learned about the City of Edmonton Archives, the different resources available at the Edmonton Public Library and the Genealogy group hosted at our centre!