R E S E A R C H   G U I D A N C E

Canada
Research Outline
   

Table of Contents
Introduction
Records Of The Family History Library
The Family History Library Catalog
     Access To Family History Library Periodicals
Using This Outline
Canadian Search Strategies
     Step 1. Identify What You Know About Your Family
     Step 2. Decide What You Want To Learn
     Step 3. Select A Record To Search
     Step 4. Find And Search The Record
     Step 5. Use The Information
     Map Of Canada
Archives And Libraries
     National Archives And Library
Biography
Business Records And Commerce
Cemeteries
Census
Church Records
     General Historical Background
     Record-keeping Practices
     Records
     Locating Church Records
Court Records
     Provincial Courts
     Federal Courts
Directories
Emigration And Immigration
     Finding The Emigrant’s Town Of Origin
     Emigration From Canada
     Records Of Canadian Emigrants In The United States
Gazetteers
Genealogy
Historical Geography
History
Land And Property
Language And Languages
Maps
Military Records
     Military History
     Military Records
Minorities
Names, Personal
Native Races
Naturalization And Citizenship
Newspapers
Notarial Records
Obituaries
Periodicals
Probate Records
Societies
Vital Records
     General Historical Background
     Information In Vital Records
     Locating Vital Records
Other Records
For Further Reading
Comments And Suggestions

OTHER RECORDS


Other types of Canadian records not mentioned in this outline are listed in the Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalog. See:

ALMANACSBIBLIOGRAPHYCOLONIZATIONDESCRIPTION AND TRAVELENCYCLOPEDIAS AND DICTIONARIESETHNOLOGYLAW AND LEGISLATIONMILITARY HISTORYNAMES, GEOGRAPHICALOFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEESPOPULATIONPOSTAL AND SHIPPING GUIDESPUBLIC RECORDSRELIGION AND RELIGIOUS LIFE TAXATION


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FOR FURTHER READING


For more detailed information about research and records of Canada, see:

Baxter, Angus. In Search of Your Canadian Roots. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1994. (FHL book Ref 971 D27ba 1994; computer number 735447.) This source includes a discussion of church records and contains the addresses where some church records are located.

Jonasson, Eric. The Canadian Genealogical Handbook. Second ed. Winnipeg: Wheatfield Press, 1978. (FHL book 971 D27j; computer number 31188.) This has dated information on sources (see more recent handbooks) but excellent detailed discussions of record types. The maps are especially good.

Punch, Terrence M., and George F. Sanborn, Jr., eds. Genealogist’s Handbook for Atlantic Canada Research. 2nd ed. Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1997. (FHL book 971.5 D27pt 1997; computer number 811512.) This book covers Newfoundland-Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Acadian research. It describes the location and availability of many record types.

Merriman, Brenda Dougall. Genealogy in Ontario: Searching the Records. 3rd ed. Toronto: Ontario Genealogical Society, 1996. (FHL book 971.3 D27m 1996; computer number 795549.) This is one of the best handbooks for a province. It includes specific recommendations for research in some national sources, including emigration and immigration and military records. The appendixes list names and addresses of government, church, and ethnic archives in Ontario.

Faribault-Beauregard, Marthe, and Eve Beauregard-Malak. La Généalogie: Retrouver ses ancêtres. (Genealogy: To Find One’s Ancestors.) In French. Montréal: Les éditions de l’Homme, 1987. (FHL book 971.4 D27b; computer number 471855.) It focuses on French Canadian Catholic sources in Quebec but includes other North American areas where the French have settled.

Boudreau, Dennis M. Beginning Franco-American Genealogy. Pawtucket, R.I.: American-French Genealogical Society, 1986. (FHL book 973 D27bo; computer number 479066.) Aimed at the English speaker who knows very little French, this book discusses how to read original French Canadian records and published marriage repertories. It includes good examples of documents and many useful addresses.

Briggs, Elizabeth. Access to Ancestry: A Genealogical Resource Manual for Canadians Tracing Their Heritage. Winnipeg: Westgarth, 1995. (FHL book 971 D27be; computer number 749919.) This has long chapters on family history resources in Manitoba and briefer sections describing archive collections in other provinces and territories. It also lists names, addresses, and telephone numbers of provincial genealogical and heritage societies, land offices, and vital statistics offices. One chapter discusses adoption research.

Barclay-Lapointe, Elizabeth. Sourcing Canada: Genealogy Addresses. Edition 1997. Buckingham, Que.: Buckingham Press, 1997. (FHL book 971 D24b; computer number 811871.) Organized by province, this book lists genealogical societies, civil archives, church archives, and public libraries that have collections of genealogical interest. It also lists a few historical societies and museums. The directory includes street and postal addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail or Internet addresses. It may also include brief descriptions of services and collections. The appendixes list Canadian clan societies for families with Scottish roots and Canadian-Irish organizations.

For other useful books on genealogical research, see the research outlines for the provinces.


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COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS


The Family History Library welcomes additions and corrections that will improve future editions of this outline. Please send your suggestions to:

Publications Coordination
Family History Library
35 North West Temple Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3400
USA
We appreciate the archivists, librarians, and others who have reviewed this outline and shared helpful information.

Paper publication: Second edition July 1998. English approval 7/98.

FamilySearch and International Genealogical Index are registered trademarks of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. Ancestral File, Family History Library, Family History Library Catalog, Family History Centers, and Family Registry are trademarks of Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
File under: CAN 34545

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