The Quebec Family History Society (QFHS) Heritage Centre and Library in Pointe Claire will hold an open house for people interested in genealogy and history related to their Canadian Roots on Wednesday, February 20.
The event is the brain-child of executive secretary Joan Benoit, who has been helping run the QFHS for the past 32 years. “We basically want to bring members together to celebrate and share our common interests in a fun way.” she said. “It caught my imagination.”
The event takes place from 1:30 until 4 p.m. at 173 Cartier Avenue, Pointe-Claire, just south of the highway. Anyone is welcome and coffee will be served, although Benoit asks that visitors bring their own mugs.
This will be the third in the “Roots Day” series that began last December and will continue throughout the year. Future themes include Irish Roots on March 20, English Roots on April 17, Female Roots on May 15, and Quebec Roots on June 19.
The first in the series occurred in December focussed on military traditions and attracted about thirty people over the afternoon and evening. Author and amateur historian Earl John Chapman was there talking about his books, including a history of the Black Watch and his most recent work, “Bard of Wolfe’s Army: James Thompson, Gentleman Volunteer, 1733-1830.” The work collects Thompson’s journals together with historical commentary to help readers understand the times. It might appeal to people with ancestors who served during the siege of Louisbourg, the Battle of the Plains of Abraham or the attack on Quebec City.
The second event attracted even more people, about 55 or so. The library was full of people learning about research into their Scottish heritage. Canadian Roots Day is expected to be equally popular.
