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Relatively Speaking


Sharing stories to inspire connection

Relatively Speaking is the quarterly Journal of the Alberta Genealogical Society whose purpose is to support the goals of the Society by providing:

  • a regular, attractive, high-quality periodical for our members
  • articles of genealogical and/or historical interest
  • genealogical articles written by youth
  • information on family history, genealogy resources, methodology, research tips and collaborative events
  • timely information regarding major AGS events and Conferences



Stories featured in our February 2023 Relatively Speaking

We all know that AGS has wonderful volunteers because of the thousands of hours of service to AGS logged each year but, numerous Alberta communities are now also learning about some of them.  Nine of our members have been presented with Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medals for their Outstanding service to their local communities and organizations. We congratulate them on this recognition of their community service.


Alberta has always had Outstanding People. In this issue we read the stories of a few of them. Denise Montour tells of her Indigenous parents arranged marriage in 1948. John Althouse chronicles a family story of pulling together to care for a child left  behind after the death of his  mother. Denise Daubert looks at Grandma’s and the importance of cookies. Eleanor Kreiser looks back on the importance of the life of Queen Elizabeth in her own life and Valerie Robertson tells of the importance of meeting the Queen to her father-in-law.  War Brides have played an important role in Alberta’ growth and Lorill Wingrave tells her own love story as a War Bride and new bride in Alberta. We also have a second story from the Wetaskiwin Women of Aspenland about another Outstanding     community volunteer, Jacquie Jevne.  Gloria Cathcart has done a great deal of research to uncover the story of Agnes Kelly her great, great, grandmother for who no records seemed to exist. 


We often as genealogists hear that there is only 5° of separation between people. AGS is no exception. Sharon Buyar wrote from New Zealand asking if she had to live in Alberta to be an AGS member. No. We welcome her as a new member. Marilyn Astle, Lethbridge President,  was going to New Zealand so I asked if perhaps they could meet. Read their story: Alberta Connections Far and Wide.


Many communities in Alberta are celebrating Centennials in 2023.  Denise Daubert has researched some for us to look up and attend. See her column for the details.



Relatively Speaking aticles focus on
  • individual family history stories
  • youth family history research stories
  • genealogical research methodology and tips
  • sources of genealogical information
  • upcoming major Society events – Genfair and Conference
  • awards recognizing AGS work and accomplishments
  • recognition of members achievements as volunteers
  • services, resources and benefits available to members
  • upcoming themes

 

 

Story themes for 2023

May - Alberta Rodeo / Round-up / Pow-wow, Country Fair, Local Agricultural Pioneer

Was your family (you, grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts etc.) involved in the local Rodeo or Round-up or Pow-wow? Participant, fan, crew, prizes, favorite events, dances, food, branding, cattle drives etc.  Local Fairs, Local Pioneer

Deadline - April 15, 2023



August - School Days

What was your parents, grandparents, your school like? One-room school, multi-grades, rode horseback, drove a buggy, no plumbing, recess games, Christmas concert, track and field days, dormitory experiences, team sports, memorable teachers. 

Deadline - June 15, 2023



November - DNA / RESEARCH / BRICK WALLS

Have you had your DNA analysed? Any surprising results? What have you done with the new information about your family? Did you discover any First nations or Metis heritage? Were you able to discover any information about those family members ?  Any new siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins? Any surprises?  Brick walls? What have you learned about the use of DNA to uncover the identity of “unknown soldiers,” or the children who are buried at Residential Schools. Deadline - September 15, 2023



Send these or other stories - Max. 2500 words (Word Doc), 4-6 pictures (JPEG) to:

rseditor@abgenealogy.ca


 

Submissions are welcome

Submissions are welcome from anyone interested in family history

  • we prioritise those from our members and youth.
  • A style guide is available  which will assist authors as to size, images, content and references.
  • We encourage authors whose work supports our Mission Statement, includes sources of their data and their conclusions
  • Download PDF Style Guide




Stories from Relatively Speaking Journal

“Valentine, Will You Be Mine?”

Each year for the past several centuries, February 14th has been a meaningful date. The significance? Valentine s Day of course! A special day to remember those we love and admire.

“The Payzants of Edmonton”

In Edmonton’s river valley an antique ‘penny farthing’ is kept in the city’s Artifacts Centre and identified by Accession No. 67-505-191. The owner of this bicycle was John Madison Payzant; he was a direct descendant of...

“A Wealth of Photographs in Archives”

Because of their interest in family history, many genealogists inherit a large collection of family photographs (along with the unenviable chore of identifying and dating them). If, however, you aren’t fortunate enough to have access to...

“Beware of Oral History”

My dad and his siblings firmly believed that the Millions family came to Canada from Grimsby in England, a fishing port in south Humberside, on the North Sea. Oral history indicated that the Millions were fishermen.