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Visual aid for finding **United Empire Loyalist ancestors**, a key topic in **Atlantic Canada** and Canadian genealogy research.
How to Find Your Loyalist Ancestors in Atlantic Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've ever wondered whether your family tree includes ancestors who fled north during the American Revolution, you're not alone. Atlantic Canada became home to thousands of United Empire Loyalists: American colonists who remained faithful to the British Crown during the turbulent 1770s and 1780s. These brave souls packed up their lives, often losing everything they'd built, and started fresh in what are now Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

Researching Loyalist ancestry can feel like detective work, but it's incredibly rewarding. These ancestors left behind a rich paper trail, and with the right approach, you can uncover fascinating stories of courage, sacrifice, and new beginnings. Whether you're just starting your genealogy journey or you've hit a brick wall with Atlantic Canadian roots, this guide will help you navigate the unique resources available for Loyalist research.

Step 1: Start With What You Know

Before diving into archives and databases, take stock of your existing family knowledge. Loyalist ancestry often reveals itself through family stories passed down through generations. Look for clues like:

  • Family tales about ancestors who "came from America" in the late 1700s
  • References to military service during the Revolutionary War
  • Stories about losing property or businesses and starting over
  • Mentions of government land grants or compensation
  • Family surnames that appear on Loyalist lists

Create a timeline of what you know about your ancestors between 1775 and 1785. Even small details: like a birthplace in New York or Massachusetts: can provide crucial starting points for your research.

image_1

Step 2: Understanding the Key Records

Loyalist research requires familiarity with several unique record types that don't exist for other immigrant groups. These documents tell the story of displacement, military service, and resettlement:

Muster Rolls and Military Records
Many Loyalists served in provincial regiments alongside British forces. Muster rolls documented which soldiers were present at specific times and locations. These records often include ages, birthplaces, and family members: gold mines for genealogists.

Claims for Losses
Perhaps the most valuable Loyalist records are the claims submitted to the British government for property lost during the war. These detailed documents describe former homes, businesses, and possessions, painting vivid pictures of your ancestors' pre-war lives.

Land Grants and Petitions
The British government granted free land to Loyalists as compensation for their losses. These grants, along with associated petitions, provide settlement locations and sometimes family compositions.

Church Records
Many Loyalist communities quickly established churches. Baptismal, marriage, and burial records from these early congregations can fill gaps in official documentation.

Step 3: Major Archives and Repositories

Library and Archives Canada
The motherlode of Loyalist research sits in Ottawa. Their holdings include the original claims for losses, military records, and correspondence. Many of these records have been digitised and are searchable online. Start with their United Empire Loyalists research guide, which outlines available collections and search strategies.

Provincial Archives
Each Atlantic province maintains archives with region-specific Loyalist materials:

  • Nova Scotia Archives holds extensive records for Loyalists who settled throughout the province, including the massive influx who founded Shelburne
  • Provincial Archives of New Brunswick contains records for the Saint John River valley settlements and the founding of Saint John
  • Prince Edward Island Public Archives has materials for the smaller but significant Loyalist population on the island

New England Historic Genealogical Society
Don't overlook American repositories. NEHGS has extensive Loyalist collections, including transcribed muster rolls and published genealogies.

image_2

Step 4: Essential Online Tools and Databases

United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada (UELAC)
This organisation maintains a comprehensive database of proven Loyalist lineages. Their website includes research guides, a certificate program for verified descendants, and contact information for local branches that can provide hands-on help.

FamilySearch
The free genealogy platform has digitised thousands of Loyalist-related records. Search their Canada Military Records collection and the various provincial record collections. Their wiki pages also provide excellent research guidance.

Ancestry and MyHeritage
These subscription services have indexed many Loyalist records, making them keyword-searchable. Look for collections like "U.S., Loyalist Claims Commission, 1776-1831" and various Canadian land records.

Google Books and Internet Archive
Many 19th and early 20th-century Loyalist histories and genealogies have been digitised. These published works often contain information not found anywhere else, though always verify details against primary sources.

Step 5: Research Strategies That Work

Follow the Military Connection
Most male Loyalists had some military involvement, even if brief. Start with British Army and Loyalist regiment records, then trace connections to land grants and civilian records.

Track the Family Unit
Loyalists often travelled in extended family groups. If you find one ancestor, search for siblings, parents, and cousins in the same records and locations.

Don't Ignore the Women
Female Loyalists appear in records more than you might expect. Widows submitted claims, women received land grants, and church records document their community involvement.

Use Geographic Clusters
Loyalists from the same American communities often settled together in Canada. If you find your ancestor in a specific Nova Scotia township, research other families from the same area: they likely shared American origins.

image_3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Assuming Every Early Settler Was a Loyalist
Not everyone who arrived in Atlantic Canada in the late 1700s was a Loyalist. Some were economic migrants, others came later from Britain or Ireland. Look for specific evidence of Revolutionary War-era displacement.

Relying Solely on Family Tradition
While family stories provide valuable clues, they're not always accurate. Always verify traditions against documentary evidence.

Overlooking Post-War Migration
Some families moved multiple times after the war. Your ancestor might have initially settled in Nova Scotia, moved to New Brunswick when it was created in 1784, then relocated again for better opportunities.

Neglecting American Records
Don't focus exclusively on Canadian sources. American records: town histories, probate files, military records: often provide crucial background information about your ancestor's pre-war life.

Advanced Research Tips

Explore Associated Families
Loyalist families often intermarried within their communities. If you're stuck on one line, research their neighbours and associates: marriage records might reveal family connections.

Check Multiple Spellings
18th-century record-keepers weren't always consistent with spelling. Search for phonetic variations of surnames and given names.

Look for Compensation Beyond Land
The British government provided various forms of assistance: provisions, transportation, tools, and even pensions for military service. These records might mention ancestors not found in land grants.

Making the Most of Your Research

Loyalist research requires patience and persistence, but the rewards are immense. These ancestors lived through one of North America's most tumultuous periods, making choices that shaped entire family lines. Their stories of loss, courage, and reinvention offer profound connections to our shared history.

Remember that Loyalist research often involves both American and Canadian records. Don't be surprised if your investigation takes you from a Nova Scotia land grant back to a New York probate file, then forward to a New Brunswick church record. These cross-border paper trails reflect the complex journeys our ancestors undertook.

As you dive into this fascinating research, keep detailed notes about sources and findings. Loyalist records can be scattered across multiple repositories, and you'll want to track where you've searched and what you've found.

Whether you're just beginning to explore potential Loyalist connections or you're ready to tackle advanced research challenges, remember that professional genealogists can help navigate complex cases and access records that might be difficult to obtain independently. At How We Got Here Genealogy Services, we specialise in Atlantic Canadian research and have extensive experience with Loyalist ancestry. Sometimes a fresh set of expert eyes can spot connections you might have missed or suggest new research directions that break through those stubborn brick walls.

Your Loyalist ancestors chose loyalty over convenience, often sacrificing everything for their principles. Their remarkable stories of resilience and new beginnings await your discovery in the rich archives of Atlantic Canada.

Andersons
How to Find Your Loyalist Ancestors in Atlantic Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've ever wondered whether your family tree includes ancestors who fled north during the American Revolution, you're not alone. Atlantic Canada became home to thousands of United Empire Loyalists: American colonists who remained faithful to the British Crown during the turbulent 1770s and 1780s. These brave souls packed up their lives, often losing everything they'd built, and started fresh in what are now Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

Researching Loyalist ancestry can feel like detective work, but it's incredibly rewarding. These ancestors left behind a rich paper trail, and with the right approach, you can uncover fascinating stories of courage, sacrifice, and new beginnings. Whether you're just starting your genealogy journey or you've hit a brick wall with Atlantic Canadian roots, this guide will help you navigate the unique resources available for Loyalist research.

Step 1: Start With What You Know

Before diving into archives and databases, take stock of your existing family knowledge. Loyalist ancestry often reveals itself through family stories passed down through generations. Look for clues like:

  • Family tales about ancestors who "came from America" in the late 1700s
  • References to military service during the Revolutionary War
  • Stories about losing property or businesses and starting over
  • Mentions of government land grants or compensation
  • Family surnames that appear on Loyalist lists

Create a timeline of what you know about your ancestors between 1775 and 1785. Even small details: like a birthplace in New York or Massachusetts: can provide crucial starting points for your research.

image_1

Step 2: Understanding the Key Records

Loyalist research requires familiarity with several unique record types that don't exist for other immigrant groups. These documents tell the story of displacement, military service, and resettlement:

Muster Rolls and Military Records
Many Loyalists served in provincial regiments alongside British forces. Muster rolls documented which soldiers were present at specific times and locations. These records often include ages, birthplaces, and family members: gold mines for genealogists.

Claims for Losses
Perhaps the most valuable Loyalist records are the claims submitted to the British government for property lost during the war. These detailed documents describe former homes, businesses, and possessions, painting vivid pictures of your ancestors' pre-war lives.

Land Grants and Petitions
The British government granted free land to Loyalists as compensation for their losses. These grants, along with associated petitions, provide settlement locations and sometimes family compositions.

Church Records
Many Loyalist communities quickly established churches. Baptismal, marriage, and burial records from these early congregations can fill gaps in official documentation.

Step 3: Major Archives and Repositories

Library and Archives Canada
The motherlode of Loyalist research sits in Ottawa. Their holdings include the original claims for losses, military records, and correspondence. Many of these records have been digitised and are searchable online. Start with their United Empire Loyalists research guide, which outlines available collections and search strategies.

Provincial Archives
Each Atlantic province maintains archives with region-specific Loyalist materials:

  • Nova Scotia Archives holds extensive records for Loyalists who settled throughout the province, including the massive influx who founded Shelburne
  • Provincial Archives of New Brunswick contains records for the Saint John River valley settlements and the founding of Saint John
  • Prince Edward Island Public Archives has materials for the smaller but significant Loyalist population on the island

New England Historic Genealogical Society
Don't overlook American repositories. NEHGS has extensive Loyalist collections, including transcribed muster rolls and published genealogies.

image_2

Step 4: Essential Online Tools and Databases

United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada (UELAC)
This organisation maintains a comprehensive database of proven Loyalist lineages. Their website includes research guides, a certificate program for verified descendants, and contact information for local branches that can provide hands-on help.

FamilySearch
The free genealogy platform has digitised thousands of Loyalist-related records. Search their Canada Military Records collection and the various provincial record collections. Their wiki pages also provide excellent research guidance.

Ancestry and MyHeritage
These subscription services have indexed many Loyalist records, making them keyword-searchable. Look for collections like "U.S., Loyalist Claims Commission, 1776-1831" and various Canadian land records.

Google Books and Internet Archive
Many 19th and early 20th-century Loyalist histories and genealogies have been digitised. These published works often contain information not found anywhere else, though always verify details against primary sources.

Step 5: Research Strategies That Work

Follow the Military Connection
Most male Loyalists had some military involvement, even if brief. Start with British Army and Loyalist regiment records, then trace connections to land grants and civilian records.

Track the Family Unit
Loyalists often travelled in extended family groups. If you find one ancestor, search for siblings, parents, and cousins in the same records and locations.

Don't Ignore the Women
Female Loyalists appear in records more than you might expect. Widows submitted claims, women received land grants, and church records document their community involvement.

Use Geographic Clusters
Loyalists from the same American communities often settled together in Canada. If you find your ancestor in a specific Nova Scotia township, research other families from the same area: they likely shared American origins.

image_3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Assuming Every Early Settler Was a Loyalist
Not everyone who arrived in Atlantic Canada in the late 1700s was a Loyalist. Some were economic migrants, others came later from Britain or Ireland. Look for specific evidence of Revolutionary War-era displacement.

Relying Solely on Family Tradition
While family stories provide valuable clues, they're not always accurate. Always verify traditions against documentary evidence.

Overlooking Post-War Migration
Some families moved multiple times after the war. Your ancestor might have initially settled in Nova Scotia, moved to New Brunswick when it was created in 1784, then relocated again for better opportunities.

Neglecting American Records
Don't focus exclusively on Canadian sources. American records: town histories, probate files, military records: often provide crucial background information about your ancestor's pre-war life.

Advanced Research Tips

Explore Associated Families
Loyalist families often intermarried within their communities. If you're stuck on one line, research their neighbours and associates: marriage records might reveal family connections.

Check Multiple Spellings
18th-century record-keepers weren't always consistent with spelling. Search for phonetic variations of surnames and given names.

Look for Compensation Beyond Land
The British government provided various forms of assistance: provisions, transportation, tools, and even pensions for military service. These records might mention ancestors not found in land grants.

Making the Most of Your Research

Loyalist research requires patience and persistence, but the rewards are immense. These ancestors lived through one of North America's most tumultuous periods, making choices that shaped entire family lines. Their stories of loss, courage, and reinvention offer profound connections to our shared history.

Remember that Loyalist research often involves both American and Canadian records. Don't be surprised if your investigation takes you from a Nova Scotia land grant back to a New York probate file, then forward to a New Brunswick church record. These cross-border paper trails reflect the complex journeys our ancestors undertook.

As you dive into this fascinating research, keep detailed notes about sources and findings. Loyalist records can be scattered across multiple repositories, and you'll want to track where you've searched and what you've found.

Whether you're just beginning to explore potential Loyalist connections or you're ready to tackle advanced research challenges, remember that professional genealogists can help navigate complex cases and access records that might be difficult to obtain independently. At How We Got Here Genealogy Services, we specialise in Atlantic Canadian research and have extensive experience with Loyalist ancestry. Sometimes a fresh set of expert eyes can spot connections you might have missed or suggest new research directions that break through those stubborn brick walls.

Your Loyalist ancestors chose loyalty over convenience, often sacrificing everything for their principles. Their remarkable stories of resilience and new beginnings await your discovery in the rich archives of Atlantic Canada.

Service Spotlight: Custom Genealogy Brick Wall Busting, How We Help You Get 'Unstuck'

Welcome to Feature Friday! Each week, we shine a spotlight on the services, tools, and stories that make HowWeGotHere Genealogy special. Today, we're diving deep into one of our most popular offerings: custom brick wall busting.

You know that ancestor who's been driving you absolutely bonkers for months (or maybe years)? The one who seems to have vanished into thin air right when you need them most? The great-great-grandmother whose maiden name remains a complete mystery, or the grandfather who apparently materialized out of nowhere in 1920 census records?

Yeah, we've all been there. Welcome to the wonderful world of genealogy brick walls.

What Exactly Is a Genealogy Brick Wall?

A genealogy brick wall is that one ancestor who refuses to cooperate with your research efforts, no matter how many hours you spend searching online databases, scrolling through census records, or squinting at hard-to-read handwriting on vital records. It's the research roadblock that stops your family tree progress dead in its tracks.

These walls can pop up for all sorts of reasons: name changes, missing records, natural disasters that destroyed documents, immigration confusion, or sometimes just plain old clerical errors that throw off your entire search strategy. Whatever the cause, hitting a brick wall can feel like wandering through a genealogy maze blindfolded.

But here's the thing: and this is where we come in: most brick walls aren't actually permanent barriers. They're puzzles waiting for the right approach, the right resources, and sometimes just a fresh pair of experienced eyes.

image_1

Our Brick Wall Busting Approach: It's All About the Collaboration

At HowWeGotHere Genealogy, we don't believe in taking your research away from you and disappearing into a back room for weeks. That's not how real genealogy breakthroughs happen. Instead, our brick wall busting service is built around collaboration and partnership.

When you reach out to us with a stubborn ancestor, we start with what we call a "Research Review and Strategy Session." This isn't just us telling you what to do: it's a genuine conversation about your research journey so far.

Step 1: The Deep Dive Review

We begin by carefully examining all the research you've already completed. This means looking through your family tree software, reviewing those scattered notes and documents you've collected, and understanding the search strategies you've already tried. We're not here to redo work you've already done well: we're here to build on it smartly.

This review often reveals crucial gaps that aren't immediately obvious. Sometimes it's a missing spouse search, or a sibling who could hold the key to your ancestor's identity. Other times, it's realizing that you've been searching in the wrong time period or location entirely.

Step 2: Fresh Eyes, New Strategies

Once we understand your research foundation, we bring our expertise to the table with strategies you might not have considered. This could involve:

  • Cluster research (investigating your ancestor's neighbors, friends, and associates)
  • FAN Club methodology (Friends, Associates, and Neighbors approach)
  • DNA triangulation for biological connections
  • Deep-dive newspaper searches beyond just obituaries
  • Court records and estate files that often contain family relationship gold
  • Religious and community records that might not be digitized online

image_2

Real Success Stories: How We've Helped Clients Break Through

Let's talk about some actual wins, because this stuff really works.

The Case of the Missing MacDonald

Sarah from Halifax had been searching for her great-grandfather Angus MacDonald for over three years. She knew he'd immigrated from Scotland sometime in the 1890s, but every Angus MacDonald she found in Nova Scotia records didn't quite fit. The birth dates were wrong, the family compositions didn't match, and she was ready to give up.

During our strategy session, we noticed something interesting: Sarah had been focusing solely on "Angus MacDonald" in her searches. But what if immigration officials had recorded his name differently? What if he'd gone by a middle name, or anglicized his name slightly?

We expanded the search to include "Aonghas," "Angus MacConnell," and even "Angus Donald." Within two weeks, we found him: listed as "A. MacDonnell" in ship passenger records, with a slightly different birth year than Sarah expected. From there, we were able to trace his entire family line and connect him to specific clan records in Scotland.

The Acadian Connection Mystery

Jean-Baptiste from New Brunswick knew his family had Acadian roots, but every trail seemed to dead-end around 1850. His ancestors seemed to appear in records without any prior history, which is unfortunately common for families affected by the Deportation.

Our approach involved diving into less-obvious sources: Catholic church records from Louisiana, land grants in Prince Edward Island, and even Acadian census substitutes that most amateur researchers don't know exist. We also used DNA matches to identify cousins whose families had preserved more complete oral histories.

The breakthrough came when we found his ancestor listed under a slightly different surname spelling in Louisiana church records, which led us to pre-Deportation records in Grand-Pré. Jean-Baptiste went from having a 1850s dead-end to tracing his family back to 1600s France.

image_3

What Makes Our Service Different

Personal Touch, Not Assembly Line

Unlike larger genealogy services that might assign your case to whoever's available, you'll work directly with experienced genealogists who get to know your specific research challenges. We remember your family stories, understand your research goals, and celebrate your victories along the way.

Teaching, Not Just Finding

We don't just hand you answers: we show you how we found them and teach you techniques you can use for future research. Every brick wall session includes explanations of our methodology, so you're building skills for your ongoing genealogy journey.

Maritime and Atlantic Canada Expertise

While we work with families from all backgrounds, our team has particular strength in Maritime and Atlantic Canada research. We understand the unique challenges of researching Acadian families, Scottish Highland immigrants, Irish famine refugees, and the complex record-keeping quirks of our region.

Realistic Expectations, Real Results

We're honest about what's possible and what isn't. Some brick walls take weeks to crack, others might take months, and occasionally, we encounter ancestors who truly may be lost to history. But we've found that with persistence, creativity, and the right resources, most genealogy puzzles have solutions.

Getting Started: What to Expect

Our brick wall busting service starts with a one-hour consultation where we review your research and develop a customized strategy. From there, we work in focused research blocks, keeping you updated on progress and new discoveries along the way.

Pricing is transparent and based on research hours, so you're never surprised by costs. We also offer payment plans for larger projects, because we believe everyone deserves the chance to discover their family history.

image_4

Ready to Bust Through Your Brick Wall?

If you've got an ancestor who's been keeping you up at night, wondering where they came from or where they went, don't let frustration win. Every family tree has these challenging puzzles, and most of them can be solved with the right approach and resources.

Hitting a wall is inevitable in genealogy, but it doesn't mean defeat. It just means you need a fresh perspective and some specialized tools. That's exactly what we're here to provide.

Ready to turn that brick wall into a breakthrough? Reach out to us and let's start planning your research strategy. Your ancestors are out there waiting to be found: sometimes they just need the right detective on the case.

Remember: uncovering your family history is a journey, not a sprint. Every record and every story brings you closer to understanding who you are and where you came from. Let's solve this puzzle together.


Ready to break through your brick wall? Book a free consultation with our friendly team at https://bookings.howwegothere.ca.

Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our clients.

Feature Friday
Service Spotlight: Custom Genealogy Brick Wall Busting, How We Help You Get 'Unstuck'

Welcome to Feature Friday! Each week, we shine a spotlight on the services, tools, and stories that make HowWeGotHere Genealogy special. Today, we're diving deep into one of our most popular offerings: custom brick wall busting.

You know that ancestor who's been driving you absolutely bonkers for months (or maybe years)? The one who seems to have vanished into thin air right when you need them most? The great-great-grandmother whose maiden name remains a complete mystery, or the grandfather who apparently materialized out of nowhere in 1920 census records?

Yeah, we've all been there. Welcome to the wonderful world of genealogy brick walls.

What Exactly Is a Genealogy Brick Wall?

A genealogy brick wall is that one ancestor who refuses to cooperate with your research efforts, no matter how many hours you spend searching online databases, scrolling through census records, or squinting at hard-to-read handwriting on vital records. It's the research roadblock that stops your family tree progress dead in its tracks.

These walls can pop up for all sorts of reasons: name changes, missing records, natural disasters that destroyed documents, immigration confusion, or sometimes just plain old clerical errors that throw off your entire search strategy. Whatever the cause, hitting a brick wall can feel like wandering through a genealogy maze blindfolded.

But here's the thing: and this is where we come in: most brick walls aren't actually permanent barriers. They're puzzles waiting for the right approach, the right resources, and sometimes just a fresh pair of experienced eyes.

image_1

Our Brick Wall Busting Approach: It's All About the Collaboration

At HowWeGotHere Genealogy, we don't believe in taking your research away from you and disappearing into a back room for weeks. That's not how real genealogy breakthroughs happen. Instead, our brick wall busting service is built around collaboration and partnership.

When you reach out to us with a stubborn ancestor, we start with what we call a "Research Review and Strategy Session." This isn't just us telling you what to do: it's a genuine conversation about your research journey so far.

Step 1: The Deep Dive Review

We begin by carefully examining all the research you've already completed. This means looking through your family tree software, reviewing those scattered notes and documents you've collected, and understanding the search strategies you've already tried. We're not here to redo work you've already done well: we're here to build on it smartly.

This review often reveals crucial gaps that aren't immediately obvious. Sometimes it's a missing spouse search, or a sibling who could hold the key to your ancestor's identity. Other times, it's realizing that you've been searching in the wrong time period or location entirely.

Step 2: Fresh Eyes, New Strategies

Once we understand your research foundation, we bring our expertise to the table with strategies you might not have considered. This could involve:

  • Cluster research (investigating your ancestor's neighbors, friends, and associates)
  • FAN Club methodology (Friends, Associates, and Neighbors approach)
  • DNA triangulation for biological connections
  • Deep-dive newspaper searches beyond just obituaries
  • Court records and estate files that often contain family relationship gold
  • Religious and community records that might not be digitized online

image_2

Real Success Stories: How We've Helped Clients Break Through

Let's talk about some actual wins, because this stuff really works.

The Case of the Missing MacDonald

Sarah from Halifax had been searching for her great-grandfather Angus MacDonald for over three years. She knew he'd immigrated from Scotland sometime in the 1890s, but every Angus MacDonald she found in Nova Scotia records didn't quite fit. The birth dates were wrong, the family compositions didn't match, and she was ready to give up.

During our strategy session, we noticed something interesting: Sarah had been focusing solely on "Angus MacDonald" in her searches. But what if immigration officials had recorded his name differently? What if he'd gone by a middle name, or anglicized his name slightly?

We expanded the search to include "Aonghas," "Angus MacConnell," and even "Angus Donald." Within two weeks, we found him: listed as "A. MacDonnell" in ship passenger records, with a slightly different birth year than Sarah expected. From there, we were able to trace his entire family line and connect him to specific clan records in Scotland.

The Acadian Connection Mystery

Jean-Baptiste from New Brunswick knew his family had Acadian roots, but every trail seemed to dead-end around 1850. His ancestors seemed to appear in records without any prior history, which is unfortunately common for families affected by the Deportation.

Our approach involved diving into less-obvious sources: Catholic church records from Louisiana, land grants in Prince Edward Island, and even Acadian census substitutes that most amateur researchers don't know exist. We also used DNA matches to identify cousins whose families had preserved more complete oral histories.

The breakthrough came when we found his ancestor listed under a slightly different surname spelling in Louisiana church records, which led us to pre-Deportation records in Grand-Pré. Jean-Baptiste went from having a 1850s dead-end to tracing his family back to 1600s France.

image_3

What Makes Our Service Different

Personal Touch, Not Assembly Line

Unlike larger genealogy services that might assign your case to whoever's available, you'll work directly with experienced genealogists who get to know your specific research challenges. We remember your family stories, understand your research goals, and celebrate your victories along the way.

Teaching, Not Just Finding

We don't just hand you answers: we show you how we found them and teach you techniques you can use for future research. Every brick wall session includes explanations of our methodology, so you're building skills for your ongoing genealogy journey.

Maritime and Atlantic Canada Expertise

While we work with families from all backgrounds, our team has particular strength in Maritime and Atlantic Canada research. We understand the unique challenges of researching Acadian families, Scottish Highland immigrants, Irish famine refugees, and the complex record-keeping quirks of our region.

Realistic Expectations, Real Results

We're honest about what's possible and what isn't. Some brick walls take weeks to crack, others might take months, and occasionally, we encounter ancestors who truly may be lost to history. But we've found that with persistence, creativity, and the right resources, most genealogy puzzles have solutions.

Getting Started: What to Expect

Our brick wall busting service starts with a one-hour consultation where we review your research and develop a customized strategy. From there, we work in focused research blocks, keeping you updated on progress and new discoveries along the way.

Pricing is transparent and based on research hours, so you're never surprised by costs. We also offer payment plans for larger projects, because we believe everyone deserves the chance to discover their family history.

image_4

Ready to Bust Through Your Brick Wall?

If you've got an ancestor who's been keeping you up at night, wondering where they came from or where they went, don't let frustration win. Every family tree has these challenging puzzles, and most of them can be solved with the right approach and resources.

Hitting a wall is inevitable in genealogy, but it doesn't mean defeat. It just means you need a fresh perspective and some specialized tools. That's exactly what we're here to provide.

Ready to turn that brick wall into a breakthrough? Reach out to us and let's start planning your research strategy. Your ancestors are out there waiting to be found: sometimes they just need the right detective on the case.

Remember: uncovering your family history is a journey, not a sprint. Every record and every story brings you closer to understanding who you are and where you came from. Let's solve this puzzle together.


Ready to break through your brick wall? Book a free consultation with our friendly team at https://bookings.howwegothere.ca.

Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our clients.

Throwback Thursday: Recreating a 150-Year-Old Photo of My Ancestor in Halifax

Have you ever held an old family photograph and wondered what it would feel like to stand in that exact spot, looking out at the same view your ancestor once saw? This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to do exactly that – and let me tell you, it was one of the most emotionally powerful moments of my genealogy journey.

I’m talking about my quest to recreate a 150-year-old photograph of my third great-grandfather’s business in Halifax, Nova Scotia. What started as simple curiosity about an old image turned into a profound connection with John Nash, an Irish immigrant who rose from humble beginnings as a laborer to become a respected Halifax alderman and successful business owner.

The Photo That Started It All

The photograph itself is remarkable – a clear image from the 1870s showing a building with “John Nash” proudly displayed across its facade at 77-79 Brunswick Street. But this wasn’t just any building; this was the culmination of John’s incredible journey from immigrant laborer to “city father.”

When I first saw this photo, I knew it was more than just a historical document. It was a treasure map, a direct link to understanding how someone could transform their life so dramatically in 19th-century Halifax. But more than that, it represented an opportunity to literally walk in my ancestor’s footsteps.

image_1

The Challenge of Photo Recreation

Recreating a photograph from 150 years ago isn’t just about finding the right location – it’s detective work that requires patience, research skills, and a bit of creative problem-solving. The Halifax of today looks vastly different from John Nash’s time, but the bones of the city remain remarkably intact.

My process began with careful analysis of the original photograph. I studied every detail: the angle of nearby buildings, the perspective of the street, and most importantly, the unchanging landmarks like the Halifax Citadel clock tower that still dominates the city skyline. These reference points became my anchors in mapping the past to the present.

The real breakthrough came when I discovered tools that help map old street numbers to their modern equivalents. Halifax’s street grid has remained relatively consistent, which meant that with enough research, I could pinpoint exactly where that photographer stood all those years ago.

Standing Where History Happened

The moment I found the spot and positioned myself where the original photographer had stood was absolutely electrifying. Suddenly, this wasn’t just about research or records – it was about occupying the same physical space where my ancestor had built his dreams.

Looking down Brunswick Street from that exact vantage point, I could almost see John Nash walking to his steam-operated bottling plant each morning. I could imagine him standing there proudly, perhaps discussing business with customers or surveying the building that represented everything he’d worked to achieve since arriving from Ireland decades earlier.

image_2

This is what makes photo recreation so powerful in genealogy – it transforms abstract research into visceral, emotional connection. Standing there, John Nash wasn’t just a name in a census record or a date on a death certificate. He was real. He was human. He had walked these same streets, breathed this same air, and looked out at views that I could still see today.

The Technical Side of Time Travel

For those inspired to try photo recreation themselves, here’s what I learned about the process:

Start with landmark analysis. Look for buildings, streetscapes, or geographical features that haven’t changed. In Halifax, the harbor, certain historic buildings, and that iconic clock tower provided crucial reference points.

Use modern mapping tools. Digital maps can help you understand how street numbering has evolved over time. Many cities have online archives that show historical street layouts alongside modern ones.

Consider the photographer’s position. Study the angles in your photo carefully. The height, distance, and perspective all provide clues about exactly where the camera was positioned.

Don’t expect perfection. Cities change, buildings get demolished, and streetscapes evolve. The goal isn’t to recreate an identical photo, but to connect with the place and moment your ancestor experienced.

image_3

Beyond the Photo: John Nash’s Remarkable Journey

What made standing in that spot even more meaningful was understanding the full scope of John Nash’s story. This wasn’t just about recreating a photo – it was about honoring an incredible immigrant success story.

John arrived in Halifax as a laborer, starting with nothing but determination and work ethic. By 1838, census records show him as a manual laborer, but by 1859, he was elected as alderman for Ward 2 – a position he would hold multiple times. He became an auctioneer, commission merchant, and eventually a successful business owner with his own steam-operated plant.

The building in that 1870s photograph represented the peak of his achievements. Sadly, John died in 1875, less than two years after opening his factory, but his legacy as someone who transformed himself from immigrant laborer to respected community leader lives on.

Why This Video Deserves Your Attention

I documented this entire journey in a YouTube video that frankly, I believe deserves way more views than it currently has. Not because I’m trying to boost my ego, but because it demonstrates something profound about what genealogy can become when we move beyond just collecting names and dates.

The video shows the entire process – from the initial research that uncovered John’s story, through the detective work of mapping the photograph, to that incredible moment of standing where he once stood. It’s about 7 minutes that capture what can happen when we approach family history as a lived experience rather than just an academic exercise.

image_4

The Ripple Effects of Connection

What surprised me most about this experience was how it changed my relationship not just with John Nash, but with genealogy itself. After standing in that spot, every record I found about him felt more significant. Every detail about his family, his business ventures, his role in Halifax politics – it all became more vivid and meaningful.

This is the magic of photo recreation. It takes us beyond the limitations of paper records and digital databases into the realm of spatial memory and emotional connection. When you can stand where your ancestors stood, you’re not just researching their lives – you’re participating in their story.

An Invitation to Halifax Stories

This experience also got me excited about an upcoming project. In October, I’ll be interviewing Craig Morrisey from More You See Genealogy on our podcast. Craig is from Newfoundland and works at The Rooms – Newfoundland’s cultural facility that houses incredible genealogical resources. We’ll be diving deep into Atlantic Canadian genealogy resources and sharing strategies for uncovering those hidden family stories that make our ancestors come alive.

image_5

Your Turn to Time Travel

Whether you’re researching Atlantic Canadian roots like John Nash’s story or tracing ancestors anywhere else, I encourage you to think beyond traditional records. Look for photographs, postcards, or even artistic depictions of places your ancestors lived and worked.

The tools for photo recreation are more accessible than ever. Digital archives, mapping software, and even smartphone apps can help you become a genealogical detective, piecing together the physical spaces where your family’s story unfolded.

Don’t underestimate the power of literally walking where your ancestors walked. It’s one thing to read that your great-great-grandfather owned a business; it’s entirely another to stand on the spot where he built his dreams and feel the weight of that history beneath your feet.

Making the Past Present

Photo recreation isn’t just about nostalgia or novelty – it’s about making genealogy a full-sensory experience that connects us more deeply with our family stories. When we can see through our ancestors’ eyes, stand where they stood, and look out at views they once knew, we transform from researchers into participants in an ongoing family narrative.

Every record and every story brings you closer to understanding not just where you came from, but how the courage, determination, and dreams of people like John Nash helped shape the person you are today. Sometimes, all it takes is standing in the right spot to feel that connection across the centuries.

Ready to dive deeper into your Atlantic Canadian roots? Check out the full video of my photo recreation journey, and don’t miss our upcoming October podcast episode featuring Craig Morrisey from The Rooms, where we’ll explore even more resources for uncovering your Maritime family stories.

Throwback Thursday
Throwback Thursday: Recreating a 150-Year-Old Photo of My Ancestor in Halifax

Have you ever held an old family photograph and wondered what it would feel like to stand in that exact spot, looking out at the same view your ancestor once saw? This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to do exactly that – and let me tell you, it was one of the most emotionally powerful moments of my genealogy journey.

I’m talking about my quest to recreate a 150-year-old photograph of my third great-grandfather’s business in Halifax, Nova Scotia. What started as simple curiosity about an old image turned into a profound connection with John Nash, an Irish immigrant who rose from humble beginnings as a laborer to become a respected Halifax alderman and successful business owner.

The Photo That Started It All

The photograph itself is remarkable – a clear image from the 1870s showing a building with “John Nash” proudly displayed across its facade at 77-79 Brunswick Street. But this wasn’t just any building; this was the culmination of John’s incredible journey from immigrant laborer to “city father.”

When I first saw this photo, I knew it was more than just a historical document. It was a treasure map, a direct link to understanding how someone could transform their life so dramatically in 19th-century Halifax. But more than that, it represented an opportunity to literally walk in my ancestor’s footsteps.

image_1

The Challenge of Photo Recreation

Recreating a photograph from 150 years ago isn’t just about finding the right location – it’s detective work that requires patience, research skills, and a bit of creative problem-solving. The Halifax of today looks vastly different from John Nash’s time, but the bones of the city remain remarkably intact.

My process began with careful analysis of the original photograph. I studied every detail: the angle of nearby buildings, the perspective of the street, and most importantly, the unchanging landmarks like the Halifax Citadel clock tower that still dominates the city skyline. These reference points became my anchors in mapping the past to the present.

The real breakthrough came when I discovered tools that help map old street numbers to their modern equivalents. Halifax’s street grid has remained relatively consistent, which meant that with enough research, I could pinpoint exactly where that photographer stood all those years ago.

Standing Where History Happened

The moment I found the spot and positioned myself where the original photographer had stood was absolutely electrifying. Suddenly, this wasn’t just about research or records – it was about occupying the same physical space where my ancestor had built his dreams.

Looking down Brunswick Street from that exact vantage point, I could almost see John Nash walking to his steam-operated bottling plant each morning. I could imagine him standing there proudly, perhaps discussing business with customers or surveying the building that represented everything he’d worked to achieve since arriving from Ireland decades earlier.

image_2

This is what makes photo recreation so powerful in genealogy – it transforms abstract research into visceral, emotional connection. Standing there, John Nash wasn’t just a name in a census record or a date on a death certificate. He was real. He was human. He had walked these same streets, breathed this same air, and looked out at views that I could still see today.

The Technical Side of Time Travel

For those inspired to try photo recreation themselves, here’s what I learned about the process:

Start with landmark analysis. Look for buildings, streetscapes, or geographical features that haven’t changed. In Halifax, the harbor, certain historic buildings, and that iconic clock tower provided crucial reference points.

Use modern mapping tools. Digital maps can help you understand how street numbering has evolved over time. Many cities have online archives that show historical street layouts alongside modern ones.

Consider the photographer’s position. Study the angles in your photo carefully. The height, distance, and perspective all provide clues about exactly where the camera was positioned.

Don’t expect perfection. Cities change, buildings get demolished, and streetscapes evolve. The goal isn’t to recreate an identical photo, but to connect with the place and moment your ancestor experienced.

image_3

Beyond the Photo: John Nash’s Remarkable Journey

What made standing in that spot even more meaningful was understanding the full scope of John Nash’s story. This wasn’t just about recreating a photo – it was about honoring an incredible immigrant success story.

John arrived in Halifax as a laborer, starting with nothing but determination and work ethic. By 1838, census records show him as a manual laborer, but by 1859, he was elected as alderman for Ward 2 – a position he would hold multiple times. He became an auctioneer, commission merchant, and eventually a successful business owner with his own steam-operated plant.

The building in that 1870s photograph represented the peak of his achievements. Sadly, John died in 1875, less than two years after opening his factory, but his legacy as someone who transformed himself from immigrant laborer to respected community leader lives on.

Why This Video Deserves Your Attention

I documented this entire journey in a YouTube video that frankly, I believe deserves way more views than it currently has. Not because I’m trying to boost my ego, but because it demonstrates something profound about what genealogy can become when we move beyond just collecting names and dates.

The video shows the entire process – from the initial research that uncovered John’s story, through the detective work of mapping the photograph, to that incredible moment of standing where he once stood. It’s about 7 minutes that capture what can happen when we approach family history as a lived experience rather than just an academic exercise.

image_4

The Ripple Effects of Connection

What surprised me most about this experience was how it changed my relationship not just with John Nash, but with genealogy itself. After standing in that spot, every record I found about him felt more significant. Every detail about his family, his business ventures, his role in Halifax politics – it all became more vivid and meaningful.

This is the magic of photo recreation. It takes us beyond the limitations of paper records and digital databases into the realm of spatial memory and emotional connection. When you can stand where your ancestors stood, you’re not just researching their lives – you’re participating in their story.

An Invitation to Halifax Stories

This experience also got me excited about an upcoming project. In October, I’ll be interviewing Craig Morrisey from More You See Genealogy on our podcast. Craig is from Newfoundland and works at The Rooms – Newfoundland’s cultural facility that houses incredible genealogical resources. We’ll be diving deep into Atlantic Canadian genealogy resources and sharing strategies for uncovering those hidden family stories that make our ancestors come alive.

image_5

Your Turn to Time Travel

Whether you’re researching Atlantic Canadian roots like John Nash’s story or tracing ancestors anywhere else, I encourage you to think beyond traditional records. Look for photographs, postcards, or even artistic depictions of places your ancestors lived and worked.

The tools for photo recreation are more accessible than ever. Digital archives, mapping software, and even smartphone apps can help you become a genealogical detective, piecing together the physical spaces where your family’s story unfolded.

Don’t underestimate the power of literally walking where your ancestors walked. It’s one thing to read that your great-great-grandfather owned a business; it’s entirely another to stand on the spot where he built his dreams and feel the weight of that history beneath your feet.

Making the Past Present

Photo recreation isn’t just about nostalgia or novelty – it’s about making genealogy a full-sensory experience that connects us more deeply with our family stories. When we can see through our ancestors’ eyes, stand where they stood, and look out at views they once knew, we transform from researchers into participants in an ongoing family narrative.

Every record and every story brings you closer to understanding not just where you came from, but how the courage, determination, and dreams of people like John Nash helped shape the person you are today. Sometimes, all it takes is standing in the right spot to feel that connection across the centuries.

Ready to dive deeper into your Atlantic Canadian roots? Check out the full video of my photo recreation journey, and don’t miss our upcoming October podcast episode featuring Craig Morrisey from The Rooms, where we’ll explore even more resources for uncovering your Maritime family stories.