How We Got Here Genealogy - Because Every Family Has a Story

Brian Nash

Exploring Genealogy and Family History. Family Historian Genealogist Brian Nash speaks to guests about their family or local history stories. As a genealogist, Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up people's family stories. Brian is a genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD. Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. In some cases, they fled their homela

  1. 11/13/2025

    The Stories are Lost: Interviewing Relatives Before It's Too Late

    For a FREE 30-minute Family History Consultation, book your spot here: https://bookings.howwegothere.ca How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story. In this episode, Brian welcomes Will Weldon, a video journalist and filmmaker from Durham, North Carolina. Will is the author of the book, Innerviewing: Heart Forward Storytelling and Holistic Communication , which is focused on helping people have better, more empathetic conversations and interviews. Will joins Brian to discuss a topic central to genealogy: interviewing your relatives to capture their vital stories before they are lost. They delve into practical advice on overcoming technical hurdles using just a smartphone , making your family members comfortable by keeping the stakes low , and why capturing these stories now is crucial to prevent regret later. They also explore the power of open-ended questions to elicit emotional and deeper responses , how physical objects can trigger surprising memories , and the immense, irreplaceable value these recordings have as 'time capsules' for future generations—especially when facing degenerative illnesses like Alzheimer's or dementia. As a special gift for my listeners, here is a resource to help you get started interviewing your family members: https://go.wilweldon.com/briannash You can find out more about Will’s book and coaching at his website: ⁠https://wilweldon.com⁠ CONNECT & SUPPORT 🌳 All My Links (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/howwegotheregenealogy  🙋 Ask a Genealogy Question: Visit https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or email ask@howwegothere.ca  ☕ Support the Channel (Buy Me a Coffee): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere  👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Genealogy Community (The Family Circle): https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/ About Brian Brian Nash is a family historian and the host of How We Got Here: Genealogy. He focuses on helping people not just trace their family tree, but to understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make each family's story unique. Brian began researching his own family history over 30 years ago. He proudly calls himself a "Celtic Canadian," having traced his own roots from Scotland and Ireland to their arrival in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ancestors’ stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history—some fled the Highland Clearances in Scotland, while others left Ireland during the Great Famine. They brought their expertise as coal miners and farmers from Scotland to Cape Breton and their mercantile and fishing skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax. This personal connection to the past fuels Brian's passion for helping others discover their own heritage. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and genealogical societies in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island, Brian shares his extensive knowledge from his home base on PEI. He currently serves on the boards of the Prince Edward Island Community Museums Association and the Bedeque and Area Historical Society. Through How We Got Here Genealogy Services, Brian guides others to connect with their own vibrant family narratives, helping them understand not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived.

    46 min
  2. From Waterford to Water Street: An Interview on Newfoundland Genealogy with Craig Morrissey

    10/15/2025

    From Waterford to Water Street: An Interview on Newfoundland Genealogy with Craig Morrissey

    For a FREE 30-minute Family History Consultation, book your spot here: https://bookings.howwegothere.ca In this Episode, Brian welcomes Craig Morrissey of More You Genealogy and The Rooms archives to explore Newfoundland genealogy. Craig details the essential resources for family history, starting with the provincial archives at The Rooms, which is named for traditional "fishing rooms." He breaks down the early European settlement, primarily driven by the cod fishery, drawing people from southeast Ireland and southwest England. He also highlights crucial records, including Colonial Office and merchant records, necessary before civil registration began in 1891–92. The episode also covers the impact of industrial change and the significant history of out-migration to the "Boston States," offering advice on tracing ancestors through border documents and digital archives. Craig concludes with a genealogist's "Holy Grail"—the missing 1911 Census and the fire-destroyed Catholic records for Harbour Grace—and stresses the value of methodical, patient research.How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story. CONNECT & SUPPORT 🌳 All My Links (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/howwegotheregenealogy  🙋 Ask a Genealogy Question: Visit https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or email ask@howwegothere.ca  ☕ Support the Channel (Buy Me a Coffee): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere  👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Genealogy Community (The Family Circle): https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/ Brian Nash is a family historian and the host of How We Got Here: Genealogy. He focuses on helping people not just trace their family tree, but to understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make each family's story unique. Brian began researching his own family history over 30 years ago. He proudly calls himself a "Celtic Canadian," having traced his own roots from Scotland and Ireland to their arrival in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ancestors’ stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history—some fled the Highland Clearances in Scotland, while others left Ireland during the Great Famine. They brought their expertise as coal miners and farmers from Scotland to Cape Breton and their mercantile and fishing skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax. This personal connection to the past fuels Brian's passion for helping others discover their own heritage. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and genealogical societies in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island, Brian shares his extensive knowledge from his home base on PEI. He currently serves on the boards of the Prince Edward Island Community Museums Association and the Bedeque and Area Historical Society. Through How We Got Here Genealogy Services, Brian guides others to connect with their own vibrant family narratives, helping them understand not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived. About Brian Nash

    1h 11m
  3. The Biggest Small Town: Preserving Glace Bay's Story

    09/26/2025

    The Biggest Small Town: Preserving Glace Bay's Story

    For a FREE 30-minute Family History Consultation, book your spot here: https://bookings.howwegothere.ca In this episode Brian talks to Joe MacPherson from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. Joe is the creator of the Facebook group "You Know You're From Glace Bay When," which has connected thousands of people from the area. He discusses how the group and his writing about the community have helped people relive memories, reconnect with old friends, and remember a town that has changed significantly since its days as a bustling coal town. Joe recounts growing up in Glace Bay in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, sharing stories about "shooting the drag," the St. Paul's Church fence as a youth meeting spot, and the diverse businesses run by immigrant families. He also talks about organizing the "Fence Folk reunion" in 2010, which brought people home from all over the world and raised thousands of dollars for local charities. The conversation highlights the importance of preserving personal and community history through storytelling and the power of social media to connect people and keep memories alive. How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story. CONNECT & SUPPORT🌳 All My Links (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/howwegotheregenealogy 🙋 Ask a Genealogy Question: Visit https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or email ask@howwegothere.ca ☕ Support the Channel (Buy Me a Coffee): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Genealogy Community (The Family Circle): https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/ About Brian NashBrian Nash is a family historian and the host of How We Got Here: Genealogy. He focuses on helping people not just trace their family tree, but to understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make each family's story unique.Brian began researching his own family history over 30 years ago. He proudly calls himself a "Celtic Canadian," having traced his own roots from Scotland and Ireland to their arrival in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ancestors’ stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history—some fled the Highland Clearances in Scotland, while others left Ireland during the Great Famine. They brought their expertise as coal miners and farmers from Scotland to Cape Breton and their mercantile and fishing skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax.This personal connection to the past fuels Brian's passion for helping others discover their own heritage. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and genealogical societies in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island, Brian shares his extensive knowledge from his home base on PEI. He currently serves on the boards of the Prince Edward Island Community Museums Association and the Bedeque and Area Historical Society.Through How We Got Here Genealogy Services, Brian guides others to connect with their own vibrant family narratives, helping them understand not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived.

    1h 1m

  4. 08/06/2025

    A Rock for the Duke, A Toast for An Ancestor

    Join Brian Nash in this episode of "How We Got Here" for a captivating conversation with guest Jamie Baillie, who returns to share the latest chapter in his family's remarkable history. ]Jamie recounts the story of his ancestors, the Baillies, who were evicted from their home in Sutherland, Scotland, during the Highland Clearances. He details their arduous five-week journey in 1814 aboard a timber ship, the *Perseverance of Aberdeen*, to start a new life in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. This move from tenant farmers to landowners marked a pivotal moment, setting the stage for generations of prosperity and opportunity that their descendants would come to enjoy. The discussion takes an exciting turn as Jamie recounts his recent pilgrimage to Scotland, a journey to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors. With the help of a local historian, he located the exact site of his family's former village and the ruins of their home, providing an emotional and overwhelming connection to his past. This personal quest offers a powerful testament to the value of genealogical research, exploring how understanding our origins can provide a profound sense of identity and connection across generations. Jamie and Brian also delve into the lasting impact of Scottish immigrants on the culture and development of Nova Scotia and Canada as a whole.. How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story. CONNECT & SUPPORT 🌳 All My Links (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/howwegotheregenealogy  🙋 Ask a Genealogy Question: Visit https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or email ask@howwegothere.ca  ☕ Support the Channel (Buy Me a Coffee): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere  👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Genealogy Community (The Family Circle): https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/ Brian Nash is a family historian and the host of How We Got Here: Genealogy. He focuses on helping people not just trace their family tree, but to understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make each family's story unique. Brian began researching his own family history over 30 years ago. He proudly calls himself a "Celtic Canadian," having traced his own roots from Scotland and Ireland to their arrival in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ancestors’ stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history—some fled the Highland Clearances in Scotland, while others left Ireland during the Great Famine. They brought their expertise as coal miners from Scotland to Cape Breton and their mercantile skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax. This personal connection to the past fuels Brian's passion for helping others discover their own heritage. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and genealogical societies in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island, Brian shares his extensive knowledge from his home base on PEI. He currently serves on the boards of the Prince Edward Island Community Museums Association and the Bedeque and Area Historical Society. Through How We Got Here Genealogy, Brian guides others to connect with their own vibrant family narratives, helping them understand not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived. About Brian Nash

    50 min

  5. 07/08/2025

    Awful, or Awful Kind? The Story of the Middlemore Children

    In this episode, Brian sits down with Historian and Author Sara Underwood to discuss a side of Prince Edward Island history that stands in stark contrast to its famous fictional orphan, Anne of Green Gables. Sara's book, "Awful Kind: The Story of the Middlemore Children and Prince Edward Island," shines a light on the real, and often tragic, stories of British Home Children. You’ll hear how a conversation with a descendant sparked a deep dive into the archives, leading to the remarkable discovery of thousands of individual case files for children sent from the Middlemore Homes to the Maritimes. Sara reveals the shocking truths she uncovered from the records. These children weren't brought over for adoption; they were primarily a source of cheap labor to fill a shortage of domestic servants and farmhands. Hear the heart-wrenching stories of their lives: children as young as seven expected to do the work of a man , the profound sadness and stigma that followed many for life , and the desperate ways they tried to reconnect with family back in England. For anyone who believes they may have a Home Child ancestor, Sara shares the crucial first steps to begin your own search. About Brian Nash  As a genealogist, Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up people's family stories.    Brian is a genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD. Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. In some cases, they fled their homelands due to the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Potato Blight in Ireland.  They took their Expertise as Coal Miners from Scotland to Cape Breton or their Mercantile and Manufacturing Skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax Brian has been a member of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, the Scottish Genealogical Society, and the Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society.  Brian currently resides in Prince Edward Island, Canada, with his family.   Check out Brian on Link Tree https://linktr.ee/howwegotheregenealogy Have a Family History Question? 🙋‍♀️❓❔ Visit  https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or send an email to ask@howwegothere.ca   ☕ Support the Channel   Buy Brian a Coffee  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere Become a Part of The Future of Genealogy and Join The Family Circle our New Genealogy Community - for Free!!! Visit https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/ and sign up for Free.

    36 min
  6. The Man For whom Time Stands Still ...

    06/11/2025

    The Man For whom Time Stands Still ...

    In this episode, Brian sits down with Peter Kelly, the driving force behind The Woodland Escape, a YouTube channel devoted to bringing 18th-century homesteading and living archaeology to life. From hand-forging nails on an open hearth to building birch-bark canoes and authentic blockhouses, Peter and his team have spent the last four and a half years recreating every aspect of early Canadian frontier life on their “Kelly’s Station” site, nestled midway between Toronto and Ottawa. You’ll hear how Peter’s fascination with period craftsmanship—from tanning leather by brain-tanning it over coals to casting lead musket balls in historic molds—evolved into a community refuge for living historians, complete with education days for local students. We also dive into the personal side of his work: tracing his own family’s journey from 19th-century Ireland to Northern Ontario, the wild tales of logging-camp kitchens and Revolutionary-era Quaker youths sent on horseback to negotiate land deals, and why those rich narratives matter just as much as names and dates on a family tree. Together we explore what “living history” can teach us about our ancestors’ values of community, self-reliance, and storytelling—and how unearthing those stories can deepen our own appreciation for where we came from. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just beginning to wonder about your roots, Peter’s experiences remind us that the memories we preserve today will become tomorrow’s family legends. So sit back and grab your favorite beverage. Perhaps a glass of Canadian rye whisky for sipping. Unless, of course, you’re listening to this while you’re driving—then you better stick to coffee.

    44 min

  7. 05/12/2025

    She is Making History Cool Again!

    Become a Part of The Future of Genealogy and Join The Family Circle our New Genealogy Community - for Free!!! Visit https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/ and sign up for Free. In this episode, Brian talks to Caeley Currie, the museum manager at the Bedeque Area Historical Museum in Bedeque, Prince Edward Island. Brian, who is also on the board of the Bedeque Area Historical Society and knows Caeley personally, engages in a conversation highlighting her enthusiasm and passion for her role. They discuss how Caeley's experiences growing up near King's Landing in New Brunswick and working there as a reenactor significantly influenced her love for history and museum work.This episode underscores the importance of personal and family histories. To further explore your own ancestral connections and engage with others who share a passion for genealogy, be sure to check out the new How We Got Here genealogy community at https://familycircle.howwegothere.caAs a genealogist, Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up people's family stories. Brian is a genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD.Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. In some cases, they fled their homelands due to the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Potato Blight in Ireland. They took their Expertise as Coal Miners from Scotland to Cape Breton or their Mercantile and Manufacturing Skills from Ireland to the streets of HalifaxBrian has been a member of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, the Scottish Genealogical Society, and the Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society. Brian currently resides in Prince Edward Island, Canada, with his family. For a Free 30 minute Family History Consultation click here https://bookings.howwegothere.ca☕ Support the Channel - Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere🙋‍♀️❓❔ If you have a question you're looking for an answer to goto https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or send an email to ask@howwegothere.ca 🧬Get Your DNA Tests to Assist you in Your Family History Research at my Amazon store*https://amzn.to/4arazEuSupport the Channel - Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowWeGothereEmail Brian - info@howegothere.caListen to the How We Got Here Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WJo0xg...​Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/HWGHPodcaster​Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowWeGotHere2

    1h 2m
  8. Finding Your French Ancestry

    03/31/2025

    Finding Your French Ancestry

    For a Free 30 minute Family History Consultation click here https://bookings.howwegothere.ca💲💲 Save 10% on "Scottish Ancestry" and "Family Research being Done" mugsfor the first 100 orders using the discount Code "SCOTS" https://tinyurl.com/yc2ysrwm 💲💲Check out this story of one family's Scottish ancestry and why they came to Canada.https://youtu.be/Vw0XRB9x0f0?si=I2GeDpqMrsQ1YTsQJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/@HowWeGotHere/joinThe fourth part of his history of the Scots-Irish Brian explores the complex history of the Ulster-Scots and how they helped to shape and define Canadian Culture. As a genealogist, Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up people's family stories. Brian is a genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD.Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. In some cases, they fled their homelands due to the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Potato Blight in Ireland. They took their Expertise as Coal Miners from Scotland to Cape Breton or their Mercantile and Manufacturing Skills from Ireland to the streets of HalifaxBrian has been a member of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, the Scottish Genealogical Society, and the Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society. Brian currently resides in Prince Edward Island, Canada, with his family. ☕ Support the Channel - Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere🙋‍♀️❓❔ If you have a question you're looking for an answer to about them or any other family history question ⭐⭐ Please Fill in this form to Ask Your Question: https://ask.howwegother.ca ⭐⭐And Brian may answer your question on a future video or live stream 🧬Get Your DNA Tests to Assist you in Your Family History Research at my Amazon store*https://amzn.to/4arazEuSupport the Channel - Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowWeGothereEmail Brian - info@howegothere.caListen to the How We Got Here Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WJo0xg...​Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/HWGHPodcaster​Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowWeGotHere2#genealogy #ScottishPlantations #UlsterHistory #IrishConflict #canada #ulster-scots #IrishHeritage

    1h 28m
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About

Exploring Genealogy and Family History. Family Historian Genealogist Brian Nash speaks to guests about their family or local history stories. As a genealogist, Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up people's family stories. Brian is a genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD. Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. In some cases, they fled their homela

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