Victoria Genealogical Society Speaker Series

add to outlook add to google calendar remind me

Thursday, February 8th, 2018
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Speaker Series hosted by the Victoria Genealogical Society presents guest speaker Yvonne von Ruskenveld: Proud Heritage: Descendants of United Empire Loyalists of Early Victoria

As Victoria grew from its fort days, settlers arrived from across British North America. Among those who came from the east were some who proudly traced their ancestry to the original United Empire Loyalists. The Loyalists were settlers in the 13 Colonies who stayed loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution. As a reward, they received land in what is now eastern Canada.

Yvonne Van Ruskenveld will introduce us to notable UEL descendants who made their mark in Victoria. Yvonne Van Ruskenveld has been fascinated by local history since she arrived in Victoria in 1990. Recently retired from a career as a freelance writer and editor, she is now able to indulge in her passion by researching and sharing the stories of Victoria’s past residents. She is a long-time member of the Old Cemeteries Society, presenting tours on a wide range of topics, including women’s history, gold rushes, symbolism, and epitaphs, among others. She is also a member of the Victoria Historical Society and the Western Front Association—Pacific Coast Branch, where she has given talks on World War I subjects such as local soldiers memorialized on their families grave markers, Canadian prisoners of war and the Cyclist Corps.

Doors open at 7pm; presentations begin at 7:30pm. Members free/ non members by donation. The event will be held in the Lower Hall of St Aidan's Church. More information at http://www.victoriags.org/