Ontario Ancestors has 27 Branches and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) across the province of Ontario, all established and run by volunteers.
Joining one or more Branches is a great way to connect with fellow genealogists and focus your research on a specific region or heritage topic.
Branches marked with an asterisk (*) on the map are the ones that no longer maintain a physical location.
Their resources and activities have been transitioned online and are now accessible through the main Ontario Ancestors website.
Click and drag the map to move around, then select a region to see its Branch.
Prefer a list? Use the search box below.
The Ontario Locator Table helps you explore places, branches, and genealogical resources across Ontario.
Use the filters or search to find what’s relevant to your research.
Special Interest Groups
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) at OGS bring together members with shared interests in specific cultures or regions.
Each group offers focused resources, events, and community support.
British Home Children SIG
The British Home Children Special Interest Group explores the history and legacy of the more than 100,000 children sent from Britain to Canada between 1869 and 1948. Through education, collaboration, and research, the SIG supports descendants and genealogists in uncovering the stories of these children and their families, preserving their place in Canadian history.
Phone: 1 855 MYROOTS (855 697 6687) ext. 303
Quick Links
Eastern Europe SIG
The Eastern Europe SIG focuses on genealogy and family history research connected to countries across Central and Eastern Europe. The group offers guidance on locating records, understanding cultural and historical context, and connecting with others researching in similar regions. Members share resources, research strategies, and community knowledge to help uncover and preserve family histories.
Phone: 1 855 MYROOTS (855 697 6687) ext. 333
Quick Links
Ireland SIG
The Ireland SIG supports those researching Irish ancestry by sharing resources, research strategies, and context about Irish history and migration. This group encourages collaboration and learning while helping members explore records, overcome research challenges, and connect with others tracing Irish family lines.
Phone: 1 855 MYROOTS (855 697 6687) ext. 311
Quick Links
Irish Palatine SIG
The Irish Palatine SIG focuses on the history and family connections of the Irish Palatine settlers who came to Ireland in the early 1700s and later migrated to Canada and other regions. The group supports research by sharing historical context, record sources, surname knowledge, and community connections to help members trace their Palatine roots.
Phone: 1 855 MYROOTS (855 697 6687) ext. 312
Quick Links
Scottish SIG
The Scottish SIG supports those researching Scottish ancestry by sharing resources, history, and guidance for tracing families across Scotland and the Scottish diaspora. The group helps members explore records, understand cultural context, and connect with others pursuing similar research paths.
Quick Links
Family Tree Maker User Group
The Family Tree Maker User Group provides a welcoming space for users of all levels to learn, ask questions, and improve their skills with the Family Tree Maker software. The group hosts online discussion sessions that include demonstrations, guided learning, and opportunities to connect with other researchers who use FTM in their genealogy work.