Spotlight

A major focus of any genealogical research project is the identification and gathering of basic details about each ancestor, such as name, and date and place of birth, marriage, death and burial.

Cemetery records and monumental inscriptions are a very valuable source of genealogical information as they frequently include dates of birth and death as well as the names of spouses, children and other family members.

Estate files contain documents used by the court to disperse a deceased person's estate, whether he/she dies with or without a will. Contents can include applications, the original will, affidavits, an inventory of the assets and valuations of property.

Information for access files for deaths investigated by the Coroners' Office.

Prior to 1968 divorces in Canada were granted only by private acts of the Government of Canada.

Information on historical newspapers in the Vancouver Public Library collection.

The earliest Canadian military records date back to 1665 when the French King sent troops to protect New France against attacks from the Iroquois Nation.

Level 6 of the Central Library has a collection of illustrated historical county atlases covering much of Ontario, as well as parts of Quebec and the Maritime provinces.

Historical census records are a key source of genealogical information.

Birth, marriage and death records can provide a wealth of information for the genealogist.