Director, Wanda Evans

How did you become interested in genealogy?

My interest in genealogy began when my aunt, Thelma Pepper, a professional photographer, held an exhibition in 1983 in Middleton, Nova Scotia of photographs entitled “A Visual Heritage, Images of the Past, 1900-1930. This exhibition showcased the social life, leisure time activities and lumber business of the Kingston, Nova Scotia area between 1900 and 1930, featuring prints developed from original negatives belonging to my grandfather and great-grandfather, including several family photographs. This exhibition piqued my interest in my family’s past.

What is your most exciting or interesting genealogical discovery?

Currently my research focuses on the Stevens lineage of Kings County. A particularly exciting discovery for me was the record of my great-great-great grandfather’s marriage on March 22, 1815, found in church records in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. While I believe his birth to be around 1785, I have been unable to find any records to substantiate this and I have not yet determined the Stevens family origins, possibly England or Scotland.

What brought you to GANS?

When I began my research of the Stevens surname, I had no experience in genealogy research, just an interest in discovering my past. One of the first places I turned to for my research was the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, and once I walked through the doors, I was hooked…and this is how my association with GANS began.

What is your position/responsibility at GANS?

I have been a volunteer for eight years, mostly in the Terry Punch Library and I am currently coordinator of the Family Files and Vertical Files at GANS.

What is your professional background?

My educational background includes a year of music studies at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, following my high school graduation. However, being a horse owner at the time, my passion for equestrian pursuits led me to Crabbett Park Equitation Centre in Crawley, England. Upon my return, I pursued paralegal studies at business college in Halifax. I then worked in law offices for eleven years, before taking a ten-year hiatus to be at home with my children. Subsequently, I spent twenty years with the Halifax Regional Fire Service, initially as a Financial Assistant in procurement and accounting and later as a Payroll Coordinator.

What are your interests outside of genealogy?

Beyond genealogy, my interests are travelling, mostly to destinations in Europe, gardening, daily walks, and I am a hockey fan, both of the Halifax Mooseheads and the Toronto Maple Leafs.