Gene-O-Rama Speakers – Ottawa Branch

Bruce Elliott recently retired as a Professor of History at Carleton University.He was his department’s graduate chair for seven years, and advisor to the Shannon Lectures in History, the annual public lecture series endowed by longtime Ottawa Branch member Lois M. Long.Bruce is the author of Irish Migrants in the Canadas, The City Beyond: A History of Nepean, Birthplace of Canada’s Capital, and Origins and Early History of Carp Village.He has been a member of Ottawa Branch OGS since 1971 (chair 1979-81) and served as the parent society’s second vice president, book review editor, and coordinator of its 25^th anniversary project to index the 1871 census of Ontario; he was made an honorary life member in 1992.

Thomas MacEntee is a genealogy professional specializing in using technology and social media to improve genealogy research and to connect with the family history community. He started his own genealogy-related business called High Definition Genealogy. Currently Thomas shares many of his articles and videos for free at Abundant Genealogy and also runs the popular Genealogy Bargains and DNA Bargains websites.

Ken McKinlay’s foray into his family tree research started with three simple family stories that he wanted to confirm or refute. He has now been researching his family tree for over 18 years. Ken is a frequent speaker and has given presentations at several branches of OGS, BIFHSGO and the Ottawa Public Library. His talks generally focus on methodologies and providing the skills needed to help solve those brick wall problems as well as genealogy resources and research techniques.

Shirley-Ann Pyefinch has served as the Family History Centre (FHC) Director for the Ottawa Ontario Stake FHC since 2005. She has spoken at various family history conferences and genealogical societies throughout Ontario. Shirley-Ann has over 40 years experience in tracing her own family history and loves helping others do the same.

John D Reid is best known as a blogger at Canada’s Anglo-Celtic Connections — now in its 15th year with over 10,000 posts— and as a past president of BIFHSGO. On the Advisory Board for Ancestry.ca and the External Review Committee for the LAC’s Documentary Heritage Communities Program, he supports family history as a member of OGS, BIFHSGO, the Society of Genealogists and the Guild of One-Name Studies.

Glenn Wright had a 30 year public service career employed as an archivist, historical research officer, and for many years assistant historian with the RCMP. Now retired, he is a frequent speaker at family history and genealogical events throughout Ontario, with a special interest in Canadians who served in the Great War. Glenn has also been associated with TV programs such as “Who Do You Think You Are?”, “Ancestors in the Attic”, and “Engraved on a Nation”.; he served as President of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa, 2010-2014.

** By participating in Gene-O-Rama, you are authorizing Ottawa Branch of The Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) to take your photograph and post it, or any part thereof, on the Ottawa Branch OGS website or use it in print or electronic media for the promotion of Ottawa Branch OGS programs and services. The photograph will not be used by Ottawa Branch OGS for any other purpose than those stated above without your written authorization.