Director, Pamela Wile

How did you become interested in genealogy?

My mother always talked about our relatives and made sure to point out people who were my cousins. As a teenager, I started to want to know more about our immigrant ancestors, so I began visiting the Nova Scotia Archives and travelling to visit cousins with an older sister to gather information for our family tree. I even went to one of Terry Punch's genealogy presentations held in Halifax. An on-and-off interest became a passion in the year 2000 when I quit smoking and needed a distraction!

What is your most exciting or interesting genealogical discovery?

In 2009, I was able to discover the identity of my British maternal great-grandfather's "real" name and origin with the help of a Scottish researcher who performed a Random Act of Genealogical Kindness. I truly thought that we would never know. DNA matches have confirmed the research results.

What brought you to GANS?

GANS held monthly lectures at the Nova Scotia Archives that were advertised on a Nova Scotia genealogy mailing list. I attended those that were of interest and met many members there and enjoyed meeting like-minded people. I joined the Board as Publications Series Editor in 2007.

What is your position/responsibility at GANS?

At present, as well as a Board Director, I have specific responsibilities as Vice-President & Comptroller, Volunteer Coordinator, Research Queries clerk, and Outreach Manager.

What is your professional background?

I retired in 2021 from Dalhousie University, Financial Services after 30 years of service.

What are your interests outside of genealogy?

I belong to a sewing club that meets weekly for 11 months of the year where we do community projects as well as personal stitching. Reading, mostly non-fiction these days, has been a life-long hobby. I learned to knit when I was six years old and still dabble a bit. I've recently picked up cross stitch again and hope to do more this year. Dollhouse miniatures, 1/12' scale, is a love of mine and I hope one day to again find time for that hobby.