Our Mission

To encourage, bring together and assist those interested in the pursuit of family history and to preserve our Ontario genealogical heritage.

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We encourage original genealogical research across Ontario.
We promote ethical standards and excellence in research.
We collect, preserve, and share genealogical records.
We publish educational and research materials.
We support Branches and Special Interest Groups.

Society History

Founded in 1961 as The Ontario Genealogical Society, Ontario Ancestors has grown into a province wide organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Ontario’s family history through research, education, and community leadership.

1961

Founded at the University of Waterloo as The Ontario Genealogical Society.

1967

First Toronto Branch formed and the Society was officially incorporated in Ontario.

1969

Recognized as a registered Canadian charity.

1986

Marked its 25th anniversary with 5,000 members and 25 branches, leading major cemetery and census projects.

2016

Library relocated to the Toronto Reference Library for long term public access.

2018

Adopted the operating name Ontario Ancestors.

Today

Includes 26 branches and 6 special interest groups serving communities across Ontario.

Our Coat of Arms

Ontario Ancestors received its Coat of Arms in 1986, its Silver Jubilee year (25 years). The shield was designed by The Reverend Father David G. Bowyer, Rector of Lambeth, Ontario, and a member of our Society. The motto, Multi Priores – Multae Patriae (Many Ancestors – Many Homelands), was the inspiration of Mrs. Marjorie Simmons, a Past President.

See the full story from the 1986 Families Journal (PDF) →

Community & Recognition

Heritage Societies

Heritage societies commemorate descendants of specific events in Canada's history

Society Awards

Ontario Ancestors recognizes the importance of volunteers in achieving its Mission and Objectives

Essay Competitions

Ontario Ancestors recognizes essay writers in both an open award and two student awards

In Memoriam

We are saddened to announce the passing of these honoured members

Governance & Leadership

The Ontario Genealogical Society – Ontario Ancestors is governed by a Board of no fewer than nine (9) elected Directors and no more than eleven (11) elected directors, as well as two appointed members that include the Immediate Past President who is appointed a voting member of the Board, and the Executive Director who is an ex-officio member of the Board.
The elected members of the Board are all Directors of the Board and shall include President, Vice-President, Vice President – Finance, Corporate Secretary and no fewer than five (5) but no more than seven (7) Directors-at-Large.
Bylaws are approved by the members of The Ontario Genealogical Society – Ontario Ancestors (Bylaws).
Each Branch and SIG is governed by the Bylaws and Policies and Procedures unless they choose to adopt operating policies of their own, which may not be inconsistent with the Bylaws. Policy development is directed by a number of committees (Bylaws, Policy and Procedures, Elections, Technical Support and Innovation, Finance, Awards, Research, Cemeteries and Library), each of which reports to the Board. Strategic Planning is undertaken by the Board as a committee of the whole.
Engage with vibrant Branch and Special Interest Group communities which share your genealogy research interests and connect with dedicated member-volunteers that can provide help with local records and history.

Board of Directors

President

Vice-President, Finance

Corporate Secretary

Standing Committees

Bylaws

Elections

Finance

Policy & Procedures

Operating Teams

Archival and Library Team

Awards Team

Branch/SIG Support Team

E-Weekly Newsletter Publication

Families Publication

Research Team

Society Cemeteries Team

TONI (The Ontario Name Index)

TSIC (Technical Support and Innovation Committee)

Contact the Ontario Ancestors team

Select the board role, committee, or team you wish to reach and provide details about your inquiry. Your message will be routed to the appropriate person.

Contact the Ontario Ancestors Team

Use this form to contact the Ontario Ancestors team. Select the board role, committee, or team you wish to reach and provide details about your inquiry. Your message will be routed to the appropriate person.

Ontario Ancestors is proud to recognizethe Presidents of the Society since its beginnings. These individuals, through their dedication, hard work and leadership are responsible for the successful organization that Ontario Ancestors is today.