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Click here to register online!

Please view the Settlers of the Long Point Settlement post and the footer, Loyalists of the Long Point Settlement, to check to see if your ancestor was in Norfolk County around 1812.

Wednesday 25 July 2012

Last Minute Details ...

One last post before the big day.  The Weather Network is calling for a 60% chance of thunder storms Saturday. Don't fret - there is a back up plan if it rains (but it won't - positive thinking). The event will move to a number of dry locales within Backus Heritage Conservation Area if need-be. But we won't need to, right?!

You can now register online! Click here to fill out the form and send it to me. Pay at the gates  and at the registration table on the day of the event.

  1. Entry & Parking - When you drive into Backus HCA, please stop at the gate to pay the discounted entry fee. There, you will be directed to the event site. Follow parking directors as you go. Parking will first, be available to those needing close proximity (i.e., handicapped or aged persons) and first come, first served behind the Heritage Village. 
  2. Registration - There have been a number of early registrants. For all registrants, please find the Registration Tables at the parking entrance to the Heritage Village (Suderman Barn). You will be required to fill out a form that details your pedigree and will receive your family poster then. Remember, $2 for individuals and $5 for a family of up to 4. The cost covers rental fees and production costs such as photocopying, etc.
  3. Stake your Claim - Picnic Table have been set around the Heritage Village for your use. Don't like where they are situated (e.g., not enough shade)? They can be moved to suit your needs.  When you find the perfect spot, post your family poster so others can find you.
  4. Picnic Time! Have your picnic whenever you want. The event is very casual. Remember, Scott Gillies is speaking at the Cherry Valley Schoolhouse at 2:00 pm. Besides that, follow your own schedule.
  5. Information Booths - There are a number of historical societies and family historians in the Forbes Barn. Visit with them at your convenience.
Remember, there is a fire ban in Norfolk County - no barbecuing. Hopefully, we will get rain Thursday and Friday to help farmers out. On your drive, you will notice that we are in the middle of a drought. Orchard crops failed in the Spring (frost) and extreme dry conditions have really taxed field crops. It's been a rough year for farmers.

Well, I guess that's it. Thank you in advance for your participation in the event. There are so many people that have come together to help me on the day of the event. Thank you all!

Monday 16 July 2012

Register Online!

You can now register online! Click here to fill out the form and send it to me. Pay at the gates  and at the registration table on the day of the event.

Thursday 12 July 2012


Backus HCA staff, descendants of the Founding Families of Long Point Region, and the event convener tie up loose ends in preparation for the Founding Families Fair & Picnic on Saturday, July 28, 2012. To be held at the Heritage Village at Backus Heritage Conservation Area from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, the day promises to be rewarding to both participants and county residents. For more information, contact Trevor R. Shelly at (226) 228-5451 or Wanda Backus-Kelly at (519) 586-2019.

Sunday 8 July 2012

Itinerary for the Event

Well, there's less than 3 weeks to go before the picnic and genealogy fair. Really, I wish I would have called it a family reunion instead. It's that casual!
FYI - the event has been moved to the Heritage Village at Backus Heritage Conservation Area. So, when you pay the discounted park entry fee of $7 at the gatehouse, drive past the 1798 Backhouse Mill and bear right at the foot of the hill leading to the Village. Then, turn left at the "Heritage Village Parking" sign and bear left. There will be parking attendants there to help you find the best place to park. Overflow will, first, be on the north shore of the Upper Mill Pond, then one either side of the road at the Nature Education Centre.
Registration can be made at the booth at the parking entrance into the Heritage Village.


10:30 am     Historical societies may set up their information booths in the Forbes Barn.
11:00 am     Registration open! Those that pre-registered need only to check in at the booth and receive their family place card. Then, it is up to you to Stake Your Claim by choosing a nice spot to picnic. Picnic tables are available all around the Village. By all means, move them to suit your needs!
11:00 am     Meet & Greet Picnic Until 1:00 pm Meet others in your family line. Check out the other claims. Is there anyone here that fits into your tree too?
1:00 pm       Tours of Backus Heritage Village Interpreters will be available to show you through the many on-site buildings. Visit the information booths as well!
2:00 pm       "Flames Across Norfolk" Scott Gillies will present his keynote address in the Cherry Valley Schoolhouse until 2:45 pm. Get there early - seating is limited!
3:00 pm       Genealogy Fair Networking Visit with fellow researchers in the Forbes Barn. It's time to try to fill in those ever-present holes in your research. Gather contacts to add to your genealogical network. Talk shop!
4:00 pm       The Village is closed. The event is finished. Enjoy the drive home!


Well, that's it, I guess. I think I used more exclamation marks in this post than any other. Can you tell I'm excited?!


PS - If you are interested in helping out for the next Founding Families event, let me know. The one thing I learned was that we need a committee!