Digitized & researched

by tanya dunlop

Mrs. Sangster’s Diary

Local History

30+ years of experience

Historical  Family Research

Are you:

Untangling family connections?

Researching a historic property?

Trying to make sense of tricky records?

I can help bring clarity and context to your story.

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This Client Hired Me to Help!

The video above is a recent example of a compilation I created for a lovely client to summarize my research into multiple individuals with the same name within one extended family.

We set a budget and I got started with her puzzle!

Let’s talk about your project →

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Sidetracks speaks

Let’s plan a date!

Bring History to Life at Your Next Event

Thirty years of genealogical research, two self- published books in the Mrs. Sangster’s Diary series, and a genuine belief that the best history is the kind that makes people lean forward in their seats.

My talks and workshops draw on deep archival research — including the rich history of the Kawartha Lakes region and Old Toronto — and are designed for audiences who want more than dates and names. The topic can be a century-old diary, the hidden stories inside Ontario land records, or the craft of building a family history from the ground up – the goal remains the same: to bring the documents to life and leave people looking at their own family stories differently.

Currently completing a Professional Learning Certificate in Canadian Studies through the International Institute of Genealogical Studies — 29 of 40 courses done and counting!

I am available to speak at community events, genealogical societies, libraries, historical organizations, and educational seminars, and I’m happy to travel — reasonable travel expenses appreciated.

Interested in booking a talk or workshop? Let’s chat!

Recent Talks

Books Available

Enjoy these books in printed format, delivered to your door, OR in our NEW E-BOOK format, delivered straight to your Inbox!

Coboconk ABC’s

 Colour your way through the history of Coboconk, Ontario – one letter at a time! 

“1899”

The first in the “Mrs. Sangster’s Diary” series.

“1900”

Mrs. Sangster continues her story in Book #2 of the Diary Series.

The Stories Behind

The Glass

COMING SOON!  

New! For the kids!

Meet the characters of STEAM JUNCTION, the newest addition to the Sidetracks family. These characters have been designed to excite the young generation about our amazing local history. “Gater” – The Alligator Tug, “Lilley” – Reporter for the Gull River Gabber, “Eldon” – the Narrow Gauge Steamer, and “Limestone” – the Quarry Horse, are looking forward to meeting everyone soon!!

My Writing Blog

Follow Along

Cutting The Grass

Cutting The Grass

I’m so glad I have been lucky enough to have gotten older - so many I’ve known over the years haven’t  had the chance. For me, at 56, age has brought with it restraint. I’ve learned that throwing words out in haste, that can’t be taken back, is rarely the best...

A Little Piece of Local History — and a Door Prize!

A Little Piece of Local History — and a Door Prize!

Been experimenting with Sketchbook and my stylus lately, and I'm starting to get a handle on how it all works! The Norland School Hall has been a landmark in this community for generations — and it's where I'll be holding my very first genealogy workshop on April...

Ruth Peel’s Teaching Contract

Ruth Peel’s Teaching Contract

About this pageMiss Peel shaped the minds of the children of S.S. No. 8 - Corson's Siding. Below are the finite details of the employment contract she signed in 1936.  

Schedule an Event

tanya@sidetracks.ca

Email

tanya@sidetracks.ca

Call Me

613.920.9653