Canadian Genealogy and History Links
British Columbia
Entries preceded by aindicate it is a new entry or the URL has changed or been updated within the last 14 days.
Entries preceded by a
Journeys & Transformations: British Columbia Landscapes Nature, First Peoples and History of British Columbia are interconnected themes throughout the site, presented in pictures, records and information from the museum's collections.
Archives - Libraries - Museums
Archives Association of British Columbia The AABC provides information on the many programs and services offered to archivists and archives in British Columbia.
BC Archives Browse the overview of textual records, and the finding aid databases, or search the catalogue which includes indexes birth, marriage and death registrations.
BC Museums Association This page is the index to all of the museums, art galleries, historic sites, cultural and science centres in BC known to the BCMA.
British Columbia Archival Union List A database of fonds and collection level descriptions of records held at 156 publicly-accessible archival repositories in the province. Searchable.
Campbell River Museum The museum holds a collection of permanent exhibits that represent the unique culture and history of northern Vancouver Island.
City of Richmond Archives Search the archives holdings, browse other research tools, visit the virtual exhibit.
City of Vancouver Archives Holdings include City of Vancouver government records, records of non-government organizations, businesses and individuals, historic photographs, maps, etc. Search the entire database.
City of Victoria Archives Responsible for acquiring, preserving and making accessible archival material documenting the history of Victoria. Includes Vital Statistics search for Ross Bay Cemetery records, death and marriages notices indexes.
Cumberland Museum and Archives Information on the museum and archives in this historic coal mining center.
Doukhobor Collection, University of British Columbia The collection includes printed and manuscript material relating to Doukhobor life in Canada and the Soviet Union.
Esquimalt Municipal Archives Local government records, graphic records, manuscripts and library collections.
Guide to Archival Repositories in British Columbia Entries for 173 archives in the province and includes the name and location of each repository, contact information, and a brief description of the extent, nature and scope of holdings at each institution.
Kootenay Lake Archives Holds material pertaining to the history of Kaslo and surrounding area; the City of Kaslo records (1893-1958); Kootenay Lake Sternwheelers; and the archives of the Langham Japanese Canadian Project.
Langley Centennial Museum owned and operated by the Township of Langley, its collections date back to the 1920's. A collection of over 1,200 archival photographs, 8,500 objects, and 500 works of art are searchable online.
Legislative Library Search the collection which consists of political science, parliamentary procedure, law, public administration, economics and Canadian history.
Metchosin School Museum Metchosin's history, from shipwrecks to schooldays.
New Westminster Public Library - Genealogy and local history Genealogy and local history resources at the New Westminster Public Library.
Saanich Historical Artifacts Society A Volunteer Society devoted to the collection and preservation of memorabilia from their pioneer past.
Sidney Museum The history of Sidney and pioneer families.
Simon Fraser University Archives Information on the university archives, and freedom of information and protection of privacy.
Surrey Public Library Online guide to this library's extensive collection of Canadian genealogical materials. Includes detailed information on current book and microform holdings.
UBC Special Collections and Archives University of British Columbia archival holdings, records management, and listings of many other archival resources on the Internet.
University of Northern British Columbia Library Searchable web Interface to the online catalogue.
UVic Library Gateway Search the Online Catalogue of the McPherson Library and Curriculum Lab.
Vancouver Maritime Museum A list of exhibits displayed at this museum which is the Greater Vancouver region's link to maritime history, art, culture and technology.
Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch, Special Collections Northwest History Collections, Vancouver Building Register, Historical Photographs, Indexes and Finding Aids.
Birth, Marriage, Death
BC Bible Records Transcriptions of family history information of BC families from bible records on line for genealogists to look through.
BC Vital Statistics - Genealogy The Vital Statistics Agency has records of birth, marriage, and death occurring in British Columbia since 1872.
Cemetery - Obituary
Barkerville Cemetery Headboard and Tombstone Inscriptions, listed alphabetically.
Boot Hill Stories from the British Columbia Penitentiary Cemetery
British Columbia Cemetery Finding Aid Search online or download this database of over 340,000 interments in BC Cemeteries.
Cemeteries of New Westminster Information on the three major cemeteries in New Westminster.
Langley's Cemeteries Enjoy a virtual tour of the Township of Langley's two oldest cemeteries, Fort Langley Cemetery and Murrayville Cemetery. Search the over 10,000 records.
Mountain View Cemetery An alphabetical listing of burials.
Murrayville Pioneer Cemetery Transcriptions of Gravestones in Murrayville Pioneer Cemetery, Langley, BC established in 1891.
Old Cemeteries Society A non-profit society to encourage the research, preservation and appreciation of 20 heritage cemeteries in Victoria, BC. Web site contains information on symbols used on stones, a sample database of Ross Bay Cemetery, and tips for recording cemeteries.
Prince George Cemetery Use the plot search feature to obtain information by date or by name.
Search for Funeral Homes This search, provided by BC Vital Statistics, allows you to search for the name, city, address and phone number of Funeral Homes in BC.
Census
1881 and 1891 Census of Vancouver Island Searchable database for the 1881and 1891 census of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. Also includes the 1882 and 1892 directories for Nanaimo and Victoria.
Southern Interior Census Data Data from various census databases including Yale District 1881 and 1891, Indian Reserve Commission Census 1877 and OMI Census 1877. Searchable.
Emigration
Pioneer Asian Indian Immigration to the Pacific Coast Pioneer Sikh Settlement of the Pacific Coast of North America since the first Sikhs entered Canada in 1897.
Explorers
Alexander Mackenzie Voyageur Route Tracing the route of North West Company fur trade explorer Alexander Mackenzie.
First Nations
First Peoples' Cultural Foundation The focus of the First Peoples' Cultural Foundation is to preserve and enhance the language, culture and heritage of aboriginal people in B.C.
General
Children of Fort Langley Information on the descendants of the Hudson's Bay Company employees who worked at Fort Langley between 1827 and 1895.
New Westminster Heritage A collection of more than 3,100 photographs spanning aspects of life in the city since 1858. Genealogy and local history at the New Westminster Public Library. Historic maps, listing of May Queens and Members of Parliament for New Westminster.
GenWeb
British Columbia GenWeb The British Columbia Provincial page of Canada GenWeb
Cariboo-Chilcotin GenWeb A regional page of the BC GenWeb Project.
High Country A regional page of BC GenWeb.
Kootenay GenWeb A regional page of the BC GenWeb Project.
Okanagan-Similkameen A regional page of the BC GenWeb project.
Peace River GenWeb A regional site of BC GenWeb.
Rocky Mountain District GenWeb A regional page of BC GenWeb
Southwestern BC (Vancouver Coast) GenWeb A regional page of the BC GenWeb Project.
Vancouver Island GenWeb A regional page of the BC GenWeb Project.
Geography
British Columbia Archives Cartographic Records British Admiralty Charts, 1848 - 1955, Land Series, 1913-1958, Pre-emptors' Series, 1911-1969, Topographic Series, 1917-1952.
British Columbia Geographical Names Information System Searchable database of BC place names. Results include display of digital maps.
Government
Electoral History of British Columbia 1871-1986 An historical overview of electoral activities in the Province of British Columbia during the 115 year period from 1871 to 1986.
History
Alcan Highway During World War II, 10,607 U.S. soldiers built a road 1,522 miles long in 8 months. This road cut throught the Canadian Wilderness fron Dawson Creek BC to Fairbanks Alaska.
Barkerville Online The Cariboo Sentinel Newspaper provides information about the Gold Rush and the early development of British Columbia.
BC Heritage Your online guide to BC Heritage historic sites and services and an introduction to the programs of the British Columbia Heritage Trust. A BC Government page.
BC Studies - The British Columbian Quarterly Dedicated to the exploration of British Columbia's cultural, economic, and political life, past and present.
Centre for the Study of the Pacific Northwest This site makes accessible some of the University's myriad resources in regional history. Includes the Pacific Northwest Quarterly which is a journal devoted to the history and culture of the northwestern United States, Alaska, and western Canada.
Comox Valley Harbour Authority - Marine History Timeline of events, pictures and stories of Comox Bay events and development.
First Newspapers on Canada's west coast: 1858-1863 Victoria, British Columbia: 1856-1863.
Folklore Heritage In the Pacific Northwest Join us as we journey through modern and historic tales of hardship on the open seas and poke around B.C.'s smaller folk communities.
Fort Steele Heritage Town Come to Fort Steele Heritage Town and be transported back in time to a mining boom town in the 1890s. Information on Archives & Library Holdings.
History of Esquimalt Origin of the Name, Historical Outline, Reeves and Mayors of the Township of Esquimalt.
History of Fort Langley Brief history of Fort Langley and the Hudson's Bay Company.
History of Houston Important people and events in Houston's past. Early pioneers, area place names, past mayors, schools, postal service, etc.
History of the Northwest Coast Historical timeline including interesting notes, starting with July 18, 1774 Juan Perez' visit to Queen Charlotte Islands and later to Nootka Sound.
Know BC BC facts, people and places. BC lore and a BC quiz. Information on the Encyclopedia of British Columbia.
Living Landscapes: Thompson/Okanagan - Past Present and Future A Royal British Columbia Museum and Okanagan University College project featuring the human and natural history of this region. Includes articles, historic photographs, census databases, HBC Post Journals and maps.
Memorial to the Coal Miners of Michel, Natal & Sparwood, BC Working in the mines was quite dangerous with men losing their lives in almost every year for the first half of the century. As you can see from the list, the majority of the fatalities occurred in the years up to 1970.
Point Ellice Collection of Household Victoriana Take a virtual tour through the site, chat gossip with the family, look through the cook book. Also contains an on-line database of Victorian objects.
Prince George Oral History A collection of the memories and studies of those who "lived the history" of this area.
St Mary's, Metchosin A History of St Mary's Church, and information on Metchosin history and pioneers. The Metchosin pioneers section features biographies on different pioneer families.
The City of Surrey: A History Surrey's History from initial contact up to 1970. Including aboriginal settlement, European exploration, pioneer settlement, and the development of roads, railways, agriculture, forestry, and urban centers.
The Homeroom A gateway to resources and information relating to the history of schools and the development of education systems in British Columbia.
The Semiahmoo People The Semiahmoo Indian band, part of the Straits' Salish, is a small remnant of the Semiahmoo people who once dominated the region from Boundary Bay in the north to Birch Bay in the south. The band occupies a 328 acre reservation along Semiahmoo Bay
Victoria's Victoria Focuses on Victoria, BC during the reign of Queen Victoria,
Who Killed William Robinson? A rich social history of the Blacks, Aboriginal People, Kanakas (Hawaiians) and Whites of many national backgrounds who settled Salt Spring Island. Their stories tell us much about the settlement of British Columbia, Canada.
Links
British Columbia History Page A comprehensive list of links to everything associated with BC History.
Maritime
Maritime Museum of British Columbia West Coast Lighthouses, collections, and the Vintage Vessel Registry displaying wooden boats of a bygone era.
Military
Band of the 5th (BC) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery the oldest military band organization in western Canada. It traces its origins to 1864 as the Band of the Victoria Volunteer Rifle Corps.
CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum The museum's exhibits focus on three distinct military groups who have made an impact on Canada's history and who have left a lasting heritage: the Canadian Women's Army Corps, the Royal Canadian Navy on the West Coast, and the West Coast Defences
Vancouver Wireless Station Began operation in 1949 in Delta, BC. The airport had been built during WW II to accomodate Lancaster bombers flying from it in defense of coastal B.C. against a perceived Japanese attack.
Organizations and Societies
Abbotsford Genealogical Group This organization is committed to collecting & publishing of materials of use to the Family History Researcher and promoting effective techniques in instructing genealogical & historical research. Information on meetings, publications, and the library.
Black Historical & Cultural Society of British Columbia Keeping alive the memories of the Blacks that lived here and recording the history of the elders, and promoting what is authentic in the culture and heritage of the Black British Columbians.
British Columbia Folklore Society Bringing together and preserving the traditions of British Columbia. Information, newsletter, and links to other folklore related links.
British Columbia Genealogical Society Overview, membership, meetings, resource centre, contact information, members query page, microfiche holdings and hot links.
British Columbia Historical Federation The federation provides a forum to publicize successes of regional historical societies. Includes information on British Columbia Historical News is a quarterly journal of the BCHF.
Burns Lake and Area Genealogy Group Available for online viewing: Area residents and population in 1945, area cemetery records, and area death records.
Campbell River Genealogy Society Information on Meetings, Library, Newsletters and Publications. The 1901 Census for Comox District, and surname index of the spocieties obituary clipping file.
Comox Valley Family History Research Group Family history research in the Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, BC including Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, Denman and Hornby Island, Merville, Black Creek and Royston.
District 69 Historical Society The District 69 Historical Society collection area includes: Parksville, Nanoose, Errington, Coombs, Hilliers, French Creek. Includes census, obituary and marriage listings.
Friends of the British Columbia Archives A non-profit organization concerned with the heritage of British Columbia and its people.
Heritage Society of British Columbia An umbrella organization representing member groups who are involved with heritage projects and issues. Our interest in heritage ranges from restoration of the built environment to the preservation of historic trails.
Jewish Genealogical Institute of British Columbia Founded in 1992 to bring together people interested in pursuing their Jewish family history.
Kamloops Family History Society Information about this society and its publications.
Kelowna & District Genealogical Society Publications, Members Pages, Information on their newsletter and Queries services.
Kitimat Family History Society Dedicated to the preservation and sharing of genealogical information, from the Kitimat area as well from around the world.
Kootenay Lake Historical Society The custodian of the S.S. Moyie, the oldest passenger sternwheeler in the world that plied Kootenay Lake for 59 years.
Mennonite Historical Society of BC Information on the society Archives.
Nanaimo Family History Society Information on this societies meetings, newsletter and publications.
Nicola Valley Museum Archives Association Information on this societies publications.
North Shuswap Historical Society The NSHS was formed in 1985 with the goal of gathering and preserving the history of the North Shuswap and its surrounding areas.
Okanagan Historical Society Writing and publishing the local history of the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada for over seventy years.
Prince George Genealogical Society Society information, members interests and links to related sites.
Prince Rupert Genealogy Club Includes membership information and member research interests.
Qualicum Beach Family History Society Promoting the study of family history and genealogy.
South Cariboo Genealogy Society We are from the Cariboo Region of British Columbia Canada, encompassing the towns of 100 Mile House, 108 Mile, Lac La Hache, Lone Butte, Bridge Lake and Clinton.
South Okanagan Genealogical Society Serving the communities of Penticton, Summerland, Kaleden, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos.
Vancouver Branch, UEL Association Branch information and links to related sites.
Vancouver Historical Society Calendar of events, monthly meetings, Vancouver bibliography, newsletter and related sites.
Vernon and District Family History Society Meetings and membership, resources and services, cemetery records, surname interests and links.
Victoria Branch, UEL Association of Canada Loyalist information and upcoming events.
Victoria Fire Department Historical Society Created in the early 1990s to preserve the more than 140 year history of the Victoria Fire Department.
Victoria Genealogical Society Information about this societies library, newsletter, query service, etc.
Victoria Heritage Foundation The Victoria Heritage Foundation (VHF) is a volunteer organization which administers the preservation of its heritage properties on the City's behalf.
Passenger Lists
Bride Ships In 1862 BC had a mostly male population. Arrangements were made to send potential brides from the UK.
Personal
An American Adventure - Gray Family Family history of John Edward Gray and family, 1908 immigrants to Victoria.
Bill Irvine's Home Page The Irvine Family Genealogical Group. Irvines in Victoria, BC since 1851.
Bonnie's WWW Pages Descendants of Johan Oscar Roos and Nanni Kangas in BC.
Darlene Gadley's Genealogy Page Duhig, Bartrim, Craig and Yates from British Columbia. Duhig and Bartrim families were pioneersin Quesnel and Barkerville during 1860's British Columbia gold rush. Also researching Sanders and Compton surnames from Prince Edward Island.
Dennice Goudie Genealogy research including surnames Brule, Poirier, McFadden, Stephens, Michelsen, French, Brooks, Brown, Goudie, Vautrin pioneer Hudson Bay Company employees and their 'country wives' pioneer settlers Vancouver Island British Columbia.
Gayle's Family Tree Home Page Jesperson, Mikkelsen (Michelsen), Unsworth, Carrington, Price, Bate, Jones.
Hamilton Family of Salt Spring Island William & Caroline Hamilton and 4 children immigrated to Canada from the Port of Liverpool in 1891. In 1897, the Hamilton family, now with 8 children, moved to Salt Spring Island, just off the BC coast.
Linda Harper - My Family Tree Surnames include RAY ,DAVIS, SWINK ,PROCTOR, GIBSON, DEBECK, ALTHAUSE, HAMILTON, AIKENS, AIKINS, WEBB.
McCormick Family Home Page The McCormick family from Mayo, Ireland which settled in Vancouver in the late 1800's.
Northwest Twig of the PEPPAN Family Tree The descendants of Louis Seymour Peppan, aka Simeon Peppin aka Simeon Pepin, and his wife, Emma Sarah Peppan nee Houston. Includes link to Chief Dan George.
Pam's Homepage Researching Hendy, Rowley, Beaumont, and Craigie. Includes an online Gedcom.
Publications
Danda Humphreys The author of On the Street Where You Live volumes 1, 2 and 3 which contain information on the history and people behind Victoria street names.
Delta History On-Line User-friendly books of walks around historic Ladner British Columbia. Explore the town's heritage based on farming, fishing, salmon canneries, ship-building, the railroad and the sawmill. Monthly newsletter for researchers and obituary database.
Heritage House Publishing Company For over three decades, Heritage Houes has been publishing books that celebrate the pioneer spirit and colorful history of western Canada.
Sonotek Publishing Ltd. Books about British Columbia. Includes illustrated histories and historical biographies.
Railway
CPR Employees in British Columbia in 1884 CPR Employees in 1884. Extracted from the sessional papers of the government of Canada.
Southern Vancouver Island Railways History of the E&N, Comox Logging Railway Company, and others.
Religion
Anglican Church Archives Network in British Columbia Listing of Archival Holdings on the BC Archival Union List.
St. Ann's Academy The history of the convent and boarding school which operated between 1858 and 1973.
Sales
George Young Historical Research Specializes in the history of the province of British Columbia.
Mann Cybrarian Mann Cybrarian is named after a Scottish grandfather & the 21st C. acronym for librarian. Business specializes in ancestry research for pre-20th C. Scotland and the Cumberland, Courtenay, Royston area of Vancouver Island, B.C.
Surnames
BC Voters List - 1898 From the Sessional Papers of the British Columbia Government, 1899. Includes Voter regulations and district descriptions.
British Columbia Lists From Government Documents Deaths of Convicts, 1875-1916. Unclaimed Letters, 1863, 1870, 1871. Government Gazette, Vol 2 and Vol 10. Income tax return names, 1889. Justice of the Peace list, 1889. Petitions, 1888, 1889.
This page created by: jveinot@islandnet.com Total Accesses : 235796