Tom Henihan
Express Staff
@SmokyRiverExprs
Société Historique at Généalogique de Smoky River (SHGSR,) in Donnelly will welcome approximately 60 French immersion students from Grande Prairie’s École Montrose, on Friday, February 16.
While visiting the SHGSR the kids will do some family research alonng with a number of other activities.
“We have already sent them the research forms so they can send us some information beforehand and we can pull some books on their families,” says SHGSR’s President, Carmen Ewing.
Volunteers will offer their expertise to help the kids understand the dynamics of genealogical research and to assist with their personal searches.
Ben Desrosiers a volunteer who does all his research on computer will bring his laptop to assist the students in their research, a process they usually enjoy.
Wendy Gagnon, who is also a volunteer, is giving a presentation on paleography, the study of ancient writing systems and the deciphering and dating of historical manuscripts.
Norm Lagacé will show a video on DNA and discuss what one can discover by doing the test.
“We showed this last year for the first time and the kids were just thrilled,” says Ewing.
The students will visit the society in three separate groups throughout the day and will participate in other activities such as visiting the Girouxville Museum, Trap line with Francine Sliger at the Girouxville Hall and enjoy lunch and supper, also at the hall.
On Saturday, February 17 the students will conclude their trip with a visit to Carnaval de St-Isidore.
This is the third year the École Montrose will visit the region to experience French Canadian language and culture here in Alberta.
“We are really looking forward to having the kids here. Every year there is one that stands out,” says Ewing. “Last year there was a girl who didn’t think this was going to be a very interesting place.
“It turned out she had relatives in Falher and her grandparents were in a book. So we always have one who really stands out.”