Saturday, November 7 1:30 pm-3:30 pm

Lanark County British Home Children

Guest Speaker: Sheila Dodd, Accredited Speaker, Home Children Canada

The Lanark County Genealogical Society is pleased to welcome Sheila Dodd for a fascinating presentation on the British Home Children and their connection to Lanark County.

Between 1869 and 1948, more than 100,000 children were sent from Britain to Canada through various child migration programs. Sheila will provide an overview of the British Home Child movement, the organizations involved in sending children overseas, and the receiving homes that operated in this region. Through newly researched case studies, she will focus on children placed in Lanark County, sharing the stories of those who lived, worked, and built their lives here.

These personal accounts bring to life a little-known chapter of Canadian history, highlighting both the challenges many British Home Children faced and the resilience they demonstrated in overcoming them. Their stories offer a meaningful look at the people behind the records and help ensure this important part of our heritage is not forgotten.

About the Speaker

Sheila’s interest in British Home Child history began nearly 30 years ago when she discovered that her grandmother and great-uncle were among the children sent to Canada. Having the opportunity to hear their firsthand memories inspired a lifelong passion for preserving and sharing these stories.

A resident of Eastern Ontario since the late 1990s, Sheila is an accredited speaker with Home Children Canada and is actively involved as a researcher, registry contributor, and advocate. She also participates in commemorative initiatives, including efforts to establish a permanent British Home Children monument in Liverpool, England, from where many of the children began their journey to Canada.

Whether you are interested in family history, local history, or the experiences of the British Home Children, this presentation promises to be both informative and inspiring.

If you have any inquiries or require more information about the event or to register to attend, feel free to reach out to Jayne at 613-257-9482 or send an email to communications@lanarkgenealogy.com. We are eager to assist you and ensure that you have all the details needed to join in to our meeting.