Past Presence

08/24/2026

Thank you to Sue, Tack, and Connor for joining me for a lovely lunch this weekend in Edmonton. The time flew by with all the stories and laughs. Looking forward to the next time. A shout out to Buok Korean Kitchen for the tasty eats.

08/12/2026

When a census hides as much as it shows: the 1891 census of Victoria, BC

It was fascinating to apply new technology to an old problem. I learned more about the problematic 1891 census of Victoria, found an alternative census I didn't know existed, and was able to tabulate some information about the men, women, and children of Chinese ancestry in the Victoria area....

It was fascinating to apply new technology to an old problem. I learned more about the problematic 1891 census of Victoria, found an alternative census I didn’t know existed, and was able to …

08/04/2026

Remote access to subscription sites and so much more: the value in genealogy societies

At various points, I have been a member of genealogy and history societies across Canada and the U.S. If you've never considered joining your local society, here's a gentle reminder to check it out, wherever you happen to be....

At various points, I have been a member of genealogy and history societies across Canada and the U.S. If you’ve never considered joining your local society, here’s a gentle reminder to …

08/01/2026

A gentle reminder to all of us outside the U.S. researching ancestors - you can also sign the petition to stop the closures. I did. It took a minute.

Keep the National Archives regional facilities open

07/31/2026

Final reminder from Past-Presence: applications for the CCMMS Monty Lee Scholarship close tomorrow, Friday, July 31. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded. The official form sets out eligibility, required materials, permissions, and mail/email submission directions. Please pass the word along today.

Apply here: https://simplyk-bucket-production.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/deliveries/ba7520cd-3947-4227-a0d5-a0257c124dc6/emails/b28200c7-c742-44bc-b156-2de1e2eae922.html

07/28/2026

An essay is welcome but you can be creative. Along with the completed form and a copy of last school year’s transcript, applicants are asked for a 250-500 word essay on CCMMS goals: portraying or preserving the stories and history of Chinese Canadian veterans. Video, slideshows, photos, graphic novels, and other innovative formats are also acceptable.

Deadline: 31 Jul 2026
Apply here: https://simplyk-bucket-production.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/deliveries/ba7520cd-3947-4227-a0d5-a0257c124dc6/emails/b28200c7-c742-44bc-b156-2de1e2eae922.html

07/26/2026

5 things I learned researching the Drouin Collection on Ancestry and Généalogie Québec

Researching this case has given me new insights into the Drouin Collection, from why you might want to invest in two databases, to why you might not be able to find that elusive ancestor....

Researching this case has given me new insights into the Drouin Collection, from why you might want to invest in two databases, to why you might not be able to find that elusive ancestor.