Passenger Ship Arrivals Canadian Ports 1865-1899

This CD ROM contains information about ship arrivals in Canadian Ports between 1865 to 1899. While no passenger names are given here, the information provided is invaluable to researchers.

The CD starts on its own as soon as it is inserted in the CD ROM drive. This is a very user-friendly and intuitively understandable CD ROM. Easy to follow instructions are given, and although many will be tempted to ignore the instructions and go directly to the database, you would be missing an invaluable explanation of Canadian Passenger Lists and Ship Records if you do.

Included with the Instructions are explanations of Form 30A, Canadian immigration records between 1925 and 1935, Border Crossings to the USA, Immigration records after 1935, before 1865 (when passenger lists were not mandatory) and Home Children Immigration. My concern is that by putting these invaluable research tips and information under Instructions, researchers eager to get to the database of ships will miss them entirely!

The Records consist of Ship name, Arrival and Departure ports, Date of Arrival and Departure, Shipping line, Special Groups (such as Dr. Barnardo's) and Remarks. The microfilm reel number where the passenger list can be found is also given with each ship, thus enabling the researcher to easily order the film(s) in for viewing. Instructions on how and where to order the films are also given. Another very nice feature of this CD is that when you click on a ship name in a set of records you are shown a brief history of the ship and a photo if one is available.

As soon as you pop the CD into your drive, it opens. This CD is an experience, and is similar to an interactive and nicely designed webpage - you immediately see a screen shot of sunset over the water, complete with the relaxing sound of waves, along with some navigational choices. As you begin your journey you will have no trouble navigating. Screen images change with each choice you make. Navigational buttons are clearly labeled or obvious as to meaning. (such as back and forward arrows). Some have drop down menus that appear when you move your mouse over them. Others have popup bubbles with further explanations. The graphics are clean and easy on the eyes, and more interesting than a simple text only CD.

The Database Section gives you two choices of a Basic Search (point and click) or an Advanced Search (typed input is allowed). Both Search options were easy to use and understand, although anyone using Advanced should have a basic idea of using online search engines. Both searches allowed me to manipulate my requests until I narrowed my search down to what I wanted. For example, I have an ancestor who arrived in Canada (probably Quebec City or Montreal) in 1866. I wanted to see a list of all ships arriving in those ports in that year so that I could send for the filmed passenger lists.

Using Basic Search, and choosing my year (1866) I was immediately presented with a large map filling the screen. On it were several coloured buttons, each labeled with a port name. As I ran my mouse over the ports, a voice stated the port. I chose Montreal and clicked. I was then given more options - to begin the search, or narrow it further with a departure port or by field (special remarks, etc). I chose to begin my search and within seconds 19 records were displayed. This was a list of 19 ships arriving in Montreal in 1866. Each record could be clicked on for more detail. Since each screen also provides the user with an option to Print, I did so and had my list of ships which were possibilities for my ancestor's arrival. Since each ship name also provides the microfilm reel number for ordering, I had everything I needed for the next stage of my research.

Using the Advanced Search allowed me to input typed text, so I decided to search for Barnardo's Home Children on any ship to any port in any year. (I could have used point and click Basic Search for this too but it requires more screens and clicks of one's mouse) This search also was intuitively easy, and a matter of clicking on two buttons to narrow the search parameters (easily understood with drop down menus and pop up bubbles with explanations), then an input screen where I typed Barnardo. It was not long before a long list of all ships that had mention of Dr Barnardo in the Special Groups or Remarks appeared.

Those seeking an ancestor arriving at a Canadian port from 1865- 1899 have a new and invaluable research tool in this CD ROM. As an added bonus they will have a great deal of fun using it.