Donate – The 2026 Wilde Party

"Tracing the Irish Famine Generation in Ontario" By Dr. Laura J. Smith, University of Toronto and Charmaine Lindsay Funds donated via this page during The 2026 Wilde Party will go towards supporting this project, as well as other programs that are part of the "Canada-Ireland 180 Celebration" in 2027. The Tracing the Irish Famine Generation in Ontario project by Dr. Laura J. Smith, University of Toronto, focuses on the settlement of the large number of migrants who left Ireland for Canada during the Great Irish Famine (1845-1847). Drawing on government transportation records, and using genealogy, local histories, and family stories, the project will produce a versatile exhibit that traces the journeys and outcomes of the Irish Famine generation in Ontario. The transportation records are rich sources of genealogical and historical data and illuminate the experiences of approximately 5,000 named and unnamed migrants, the majority of whom were Irish. In many respects they are an important missing link in the story of the Famine migration to Canada and are an exciting opportunity to celebrate the lives of those Irish Famine migrants who contributed to the evolution of Ontario as we know it today. The exhibit will exist first in a digital format on a purpose-built website and then later as a physical exhibit in the Canada Ireland Foundation’s new exhibition space at the Corleck in Toronto. Your support will help this important research come to light and be shared with the general public.