Reflecting on these first eight positions of Row 2, we see the true heartbeat of pioneer Wilmot Township laid bare beneath the soil. From the early settlement cenotaphs and young native-born Canadians like James Hawes to the long-distance treks of Sligo emigrants Robert Barber and Agnes Vance, this stretch of churchyard tells a story of incredible resilience. Here, young mothers like Elizabeth Jury Smith and tender infant daughters like Clara Mabel and Mary A. Barber rest alo

Traditional burial customs and the physical evidence left on these weathered markers, can begin to decode the rich iconography that our pioneer families left behind in the heavy soil. Every weeping willow, clasped hand, soaring bird, running man, and lamb was a carefully chosen symbol; a silent sermon designed to tell anyone passing by, exactly how that soul faced the transition from the temporal world into eternity.

Anna ‘Annie’ Elizabeth nee Schaefer Heinbuch, one of the first settlers to the area, arriving here in 1835 with her husband John Heinbuch. Married in Shakespeare, the same year they arrived, celebrating the event at the Fryfogel Traven, the most happening place at the time, or the only place. Records report that once married the couple returned to the bush, finding their homestead property at lot 25, concession 4. Annie and her husband lived there for almost 60 years until Jo

The Seiberts, like so many pioneer families, carried with them a stubborn faith that the land would reward their labour. The promise of hope and prosperity far outweighed the hard work and struggles that lay ahead; it was a gamble they were willing to make.

​One of the things that makes contributing so easy is using my phone. I simply go to a cemetery and start walking around.

​This tradition was particularly common in English-speaking countries, and it was a way to preserve a family name.

Preserving family history goes far beyond dates and names on a genealogical chart. It's about capturing the essence of who we are

Take a moment to look at your own family tree. Who are the people in those branches? What stories do they hold? Now is the perfect time

This Labor Day, my mom and I decided to make the pilgrimage. Our mission? A little soul-searching, a lot of memory-making, and a good scrubb

You, my friend, are now equipped with a battle plan. Print those maps. Laminate them if you must. Highlight the paths. You are no longer jus

You wanna know who your great-aunt Mildred actually married that third time? Or if that rumour about your grandpa being secretly related to