Local History & Genealogy

Bored of our colder than average winter and interested in learning about how social history shaped your ancestors' lives in 19th century Canada?

The Ontario Genealogical Society is offering two intriguing courses this February to chase away your winter blues.

Tuesdays February 4 and 11 features The Social History of Medicine in 19th Century Canada, where you can discover how the early practice of medicine often affected people's longevity and what was done to improve medical practice in the early 20th century.

Tuesdays February 18 and 25 features The Social History of Dress in 19th Century Canada, a primer on the social history of dress seen in 19th century photographs from the Victorian age to the Edwardian age, with a special emphasis on Canadian history.

Both of these courses are taking place on the above dates at:

North York Central Library, Room 1
5120 Yonge Street, Toronto
2 - 4pm

Contact the Ontario Genealogical Society to register for these exciting courses at the following links fee $40 ($35 for OGS members):

The Social History of Medicine

The Social History of Dress

A few titles held at North York Central Library related to these two topics include:

• One Hundred Years of Medicine in Canada 1867-1967
• Medicine For Heroes : a Neglected Part of Pioneer Life
• The Medical Profession in Upper Canada 1783-1850
• Clothing in English Canada : Circa 1867-1907
• Fashions of the Seventies 1870-1879
• Victorian Gothic 1840-66

Also related is Toronto Public Library's recent TD Gallery Exhibit The Gilded Age of Fashion : 1890-1914.

The Canadiana Department holds a reference collection of Canadian genealogy, Ontario local history, North York history, and materials related to Canada. The Department also houses collections from these societies:

• Ontario Genealogical Society
• Jewish Genealogical Society (Toronto Branch)
• Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants
• York Pioneer and Historical Society
• North York Historical Society