The Ontario Genealogical Society (OntarioAncestors) brings together and supports those pursuing genealogy and family history with a connection to Ontario, and works to preserve our Ontario genealogical heritage. The Toronto Branch, the first branch of the Society, was founded in 1967.
At the Branch, Michael is supporting educational opportunities for family historians and working to increase accessibility of Toronto and area records, serving in the following roles:
- Branch Council (2019 to present as Member at Large)
- House of Industry Transcription Project (Coordinator, 2019 to 2021)
- A/V Team (Coordinator, 2019 to present)
Since 2020, Michael has been instrumental in initiating and supporting online live streamed and recorded programming for the Toronto Branch. Online events have included monthly Branch meetings and webinars, Branch Annual General Meetings, gatherings of various Branch Special Interest Groups (SIGs), the Branch's periodic online Lecture Series and ongoing educational events and programs.
In 2022 Michael also planned and led the successful implementation of hybrid meetings for the Toronto Branch, building full capability for monthly Branch meetings simultaneously reaching in-person, remote and time-shifted audiences with a flexible combination of in-person, remote and pre-recorded speakers. This included scoping volunteer roles and training existing and new volunteers.
Michael is also a regular presenter at Toronto Branch events, both in-person and online.
In 2023 and 2024, Michael helped the Publicity Team of OGS Conference 2024 (in Toronto in June 2024) by creating a launch video (fall 2023) and preparing and releasing vlogs leading up to Conference 2024. He also developed, produced and emceed Genealogy Jeoparty (a genealogy game show) at OGS Conference 2024.
In 2021 Michael received an Above and Beyond Award for his contributions to the Toronto Branch.