Conference 2024 – An Interactive Experience!

The 2024 Ontario Ancestors (OGS) Conference took place on June 14-16, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario. This was the first in-person conference in five years.

Our SIG sponsored one of Chris Paton’s sessions entitled, “What’s New in Irish Genealogy” and we had the opportunity to promote the IP-SIG during the speaker introduction. Chris noted that Tailte Éireann is the new agency created in 2022 to oversee the Registry of Deeds and the Valuation Office records, among other functions. More digitization initiatives are on the horizon. Chris also recommended checking out rootschat.com, which is the most popular free platform in the UK and Ireland for genealogists to exchange information. There are forums specific to Irish counties.

The IP-SIG also had a presence in the Marketplace and was one of about 35 exhibitors. Our display table was ably staffed by Membership Director and IP-Post editor Phyllis Chapman, as well as by one of our former Chairs, Chuck Wallace. The location of the Marketplace on the second floor of the conference centre in a somewhat out-of-the-way ballroom was not ideal, however, and foot traffic suffered as a result. Despite this, Phyllis and Chuck sold $100 worth of publications, and answered questions about Irish Palatines from interested visitors.