British Columbia Genealogical Society
Near Williams Lake, BC
Photo Courtesy of Chris Albrecht
Welcome to the British Columbia Genealogical Society
We are a registered charitable organization with over 300 members from a variety of backgrounds and, like you, we all have an interest in researching our family history in British Columbia and beyond. We hope you will consider joining our Society.
BCGS Library and Research Centre is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10am to 3pm
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BCGS Library and Research Centre is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10am to 3pm 〰️
BCGS Activities & Highlights
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Archives & Museums in BC
Archives and museums can be an invaluable source of information for your family research. Documents, photos, records and personal family collections that have been donated are just a few of the resources available to you.
The BCGS has a list of many of the archives and museums that can be found around the province. Each facility listed has a link to their website or for further information.
Consider visiting in person if the location is near enough to you or make time for a visit next time you plan a trip. Most can be contacted for information and assistance either by email, phone or mail.
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Journal Exchanges
The BCGS exchanges journals with more than 80 family history societies around the world. Almost all of these journals are available for members right here on our website, to read online or download to read later. They are also available on the computers at the BCGS Library. We have journals from societies around BC and across Canada. Farther afield, we have 36 journals from family history societies in the UK, as well as societies in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Europe. In most cases, a number of back issues are available, as well as the latest issues as we receive them.
Local journals can be a gold mine for researchers looking for family names, locations and general information about the places their ancestors lived. As we head into the winter months, why not spend an afternoon or evening exploring your ancestral locations, using this amazing resource provided as part of your membership with the BCGS.
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BCGS Members' Surname Interests
The BC Genealogical Society collects and maintains a register of our current members’ surname research interests - members can add as many surnames as they wish, along with specific locations and dates they are researching. The surnames are listed alphabetically, via PDF links, on our Index of Surnames page.
You can access the BCGS Members’ Surname Interest “Index of Surnames” using the button below.
If you see a surname you are interested in, please contact the BC Research Committee at queryrequest@bcgs.ca to obtain further information.
Calendar of Upcoming BCGS Local & Zoom Events
December 11, 2024
Members’ Meeting
Members Chat - 7:00 - 7:30 pm
Meeting Starts - 7:30 pm
Guest Speaker: Brenda Jones
For a ZOOM invitation, please contact info@bcgs.ca.
“What’s Up” In Genealogy in BC and Beyond
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Italians Who Helped Build Kelowna
26 Nov. 2024 @ 6:30 pm via Zoom Presented by Don Rampone - Kelowna and District Gen. Soc.
Most people know of the important contributions that the Casorso and Capozzi families have made to the building of Kelowna. But there are many other Italian families who played an important role in Kelowna’s development. These are their stories.
Free
Registration Required
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RootsTech 2025
March 6 - 8, 2025
Registration is now open for RootsTech 2025. A huge learning and sharing opportunity for genealogists from around the world.
Attend in person or online.
Learn more and register via the link below. -
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Canadian Letters and Images Project
Canadian Letters & Images Project - A digitization project for those who served Canada in conflict or war. Learn how you can contribute and what has already been digitized.
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ProQuest - Online Access to BC Newspapers
ProQuest provides free online access to past issues of the Vancouver Sun (1912-2010), Vancouver Province (1894-2010) and Victoria Times Colonist 1884-2010) for anyone in B.C. or the Yukon.
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Legacy Family Tree Webinars
The world’s most popular webinar website for genealogy and DNA testing, where you can enjoy a robust offering of live and recorded webinars presented by top speakers. Over 2000 webinars to choose from.
