Hello AAO,

The Spring 2026 issue of Off the Record is now available! Spring often brings new beginnings and OTR is no exception: this will be Simon Vickers’ last issue after two years as co-editor. But fear not, OTR is in good hands! Starting with the Summer issue the very capable Jocelyn Oprzedek will be formally taking over from Simon as co-editor. 

In this issue you will find an excellent submission from Alexandra Hoare about building a broad coalition of community partners to develop the recently launched Illuminate Black exhibit at the Archives of Ontario. OTR Editor Isobel Carnegie writes about the recent surge of genealogical inquiries following the Federal government’s amendment to the Citizenship Act, which removed the first-generation limit to passing on citizenship for people born abroad. Lara Morrison of the Simcoe County Archives walks us through re-describing private collections, from the project history and process to results. The issue also includes an update from the AAO East/Est chapter.

The issue is available to AAO members here: https://www.aao-archivists.ca/otr-current-issues

Farewell Simon, and welcome Jocelyn!

Happy reading!

Isobel