Peter L. Smith
L’ISLE-AUX-ALLUMETTES – The Pontiac Genealogy Society has a new home inside the Chapeau Regionale Gallerie and a board of directors from L’Isle-aux-Allumettes. The Society was formerly located in the George Bryson House in Mansfield, with volunteers attending local events such as Village en Fete in Fort-Coulonge and Heritage Days in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes to speak with residents about family tree research.
The Society was established in March 2006 when their patent letter was issued, serving the entire MRC Pontiac. They were created with the goal of tracing Pontiac families’ roots, allowing them to learn about their ancestors. They also conduct research for families from other regions who originated from the Pontiac.
Since then, outgoing President Ruth Doary noted they have produced and marketed over 350 family trees, researching them thoroughly to ensure a high level of accuracy. They have also completed research on 400 Pontiac families.
The society operates on donations and applies for annual grants for a summer student to assist with the research. Volunteers devote many hours to searching for family history through church records and other methods. They hope young people will become involved and develop a sense of pride and belonging to their roots, returning to the region to participate in the development of their communities.
The new board of directors includes President Donna Gagnon, Vice President Rejean Marion, Secretary Patsea Griffin, and Treasurer Helen Davis as well as Cynthia Belaire and Peter Smith as members.
