Online & Interactive
As an experienced speaker, both in-person and online, I take the audience on a journey to “discover the humanity in the history.” Using dynamic, professional delivery methods, I share my passion for the topics in a way that not only allows for learning during the presentation, but provides guidance and resources to continue exploring history and the lives of the people who experienced it.
Online, interactive presentations allow you to expand your reach and make attending accessible whether because of geography, circumstance of preference for dynamic, online presentations.
Special Features: Customization May Be Available (e.g., histories connected to specific regions, people, etc…)
“You are an amazing public speaker…that awesome quality where you can speak to a large group but it still feels like you were just talking to me…so confident and intimate at the same time! Can’t wait to read the book!!” – S. Cameron
To Book a Presentation
Email: jenndebruin@gmail.com | Tel: 613-485-0305
Subject Matter: Canadian & American History, United Empire Loyalists
Time Period: American Revolution (focus: 1776-1783, also resettlement 1783+)
Using her own family story, Jennifer explores how many people and cultures contribute to the Canadian story. From Indigenous peoples to recent immigrants, the often complex interactions weave new perspectives, traditions, and opportunities into the fabric of Canada. This presentation will provide examples meant to inspire others to explore their own family stories, and those of others, to more deeply understand how each contributes to the evolving place we call home.
“How to” tips and resources to continuing your own exploration into the fabric of your family, community and country, will also be discussed.
Subject Matter: Canadian History
Time Period: Ancient North America (Indigenous Peoples) – Modern-era
Do you have a captive ancestor in your family tree?
In fact, many North Americans can count at least one captive ancestor!
Riveting, complex and heartbreaking, the captive story is one of tragedy and triumph. As the battle for the continental supremacy over the colonies in North America raged over generations, people were swept up in its wake – many of them children. The audience will be taken on a treacherous journey, exploring the many complexities of life in ancient lands, and the result of French and English claims to its riches.
Subject Matter: Early North American Wars, Colonial American History, Canadian History
Time Period: Early-1600s – Mid-Late 1700s
Women are often shadows in family trees, yet their unique perspectives and experiences helped to shape the future of their families and communities.
In this presentation, the audience will be taken on an incredible journey, walking in the footsteps of women who experienced extraordinary history. Using their stories, I’ll share how to use a variety of research sources and methods that can bring women in your family tree from the shadows of history.
Subject Matter: Canadian History, Colonial American History, Genealogy
Time Period: Early 1700s – Mid-20th Century
This is a gateway presentation to begin or continue your journey of learning.
* Before booking this presentation, I encourage you to seek out Black Educators and Presenters with a focus on this experience. *
This presentation explores the connection of this region to the history of slavery in North America. While information on the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, and a brief history of slavery in Canada and the US will provide an understanding of the magnitude of this tragic institution, it most importantly gives a voice to those who were enslaved. Together we’ll journey through time to discover the harrowing experiences of the thousands of enslaved men, women and children who fought for freedom in the courts, fled from enslavement on the Underground Railroad (routes that crossed through Quebec/Eastern Ontario), and eventually settled in Ontario. An environment of learning and openness, this presentation provides an excellent opportunity to ask questions and get answers or more resources for learning.
Subject Matter: Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, History of Slavery in Canada and US, Underground Railroad (St. Lawrence River Routes), Early Ontario Black Settlers, Canadian History
Time Period: 1600s – Mid-Late 1800s
* Before booking this presentation, I encourage you to seek out Black Educators and Presenters with a focus on this experience. *
The Underground Railroad through Northern New York into Quebec and Eastern Ontario
Though much is discussed about the Underground Railroad routes from the US into Western Ontario, it is unfamiliar to some that along the St. Lawrence River there were a series of routes to bring Freedom Seekers into Canada. This presentation will discuss the history of the Underground Railroad, northern routes along the St. Lawrence River, and legends and lore that exist on both sides of the border, which may yet help to uncover hidden stories.
Subject Matter: Brief History of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and History of Slavery in Canada and US, FOCUS – Overview of Underground Railroad – Who were the Freedom Seekers?, How it was operated and by who, including common myths about its operation, and exploring the Underground Railroad (St. Lawrence River Routes) through New York State (touch on Vermont) into Quebec and Eastern Ontario
Time Period: Early 1800s – 1865
~ Available as of September 2023 ~
Ever wonder what your Loyalist ancestors or others of the Loyalist-era experienced, but have limited or no direct evidence of what they went through?
In this presentation, we’ll explore the Loyalist-era through the experiences of three individuals of various backgrounds whose lives were changed by the American Revolution (1775-83). Using these stories, I’ll share how to piece together evidence to support a plausible experience of an ancestor, or person of interest, using a variety of approaches and resources.
As an author of fact-based, historical fiction, my work is heavily researched using vetted sources spanning aspects such as politics and war strategy to the social norms of communities, families, and individuals of the period – I even research period language and weather! As each part comes together, and the story unfolds, we’re immersed in experiences not of our time. Through new approaches and insights, and a little persistence, what once seemed hidden is revealed.
Subject Matter: Canadian History, American History
Time Period: Mid-1700s – 1800s
Uncovering the Unknown Story: A Guide to Fact-Finding & Archival Exploration
My guiding philosophy is to, “Discover the humanity in the history,” and in this presentation I will share my process for exploring and building social histories that begin with basic genealogical information and/or archaeological and heirloom finds. My own experience over the last 20 years of conducting extensive research for my writing, presentations and to satisfy my immense curiosity about people, places, and objects, has revealed incredible stories. To illustrate my process and share some of my “go to” resources, I’ll use some of my previous and current projects, ones that are slowly revealing incredible people, and experiences in history, that are compelling and important to share.
Discover the harrowing exodus of Loyalist families from the Mohawk Valley to unknown places in Canada; places they hoped would recapture a home lost.
In this presentation we’ll explore what life was like in the Mohawk Valley for those who would eventually flee to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In knowing what their lives were like in the places they called home, before the outbreak of war, and the influences that forced them to choose sides, we can connect with the human story, and tragedy, of making decisions that would be force them to leave the land they loved and the hope that they would find peace amongst their once neighbours, friends and family.
Subject Matter: United Empire Loyalists, American Revolution, Colonial American History, Mohawk Valley (New York), Canadian History
Time Period: Mid-1700s – Early 1800s, focusing on American Revolution 1775-1783
From the shores of the mighty St. Lawrence River, one of Canada’s most historic regions – settled by United Empire Loyalists in the 1780’s and renowned for its beauty – can now only be brought to life through the memories of its onetime residents. The ‘Lost Villages,’ once vibrant and bustling, now lie under dark waters. In 1958, our history changed forever.
Subject Matter: Canadian History, St. Lawrence River/Early Ontario Life, St. Lawrence Seaway Project
Time Period: Ancient (Indigenous Land Use), Early 1700s – Mid-20th Century, Focus on: St. Lawrence Seaway Project (1954-58)
(Genealogy: Beginner – Intermediate)
Topic Highlights:
- Preparing to Research: Suggested forms, what to look for first, etc…
- Where to Research: Types of sources, sites to visit (electronic & physical), etc…
- Importance of Historical Context: Understanding the times of our ancestors, and how it offers clues to further research
- Ways to Share Information: Ideas on documenting, storing, and sharing with family and others
- Introduction to Genealogical DNA: Options and uses in research