Lori Oschefski
Ms. Lori Oschefski is a Genealogical Researcher and Advocate whose work is recognized world wide. Her work had been the subject of coverage with interviews and articles from many news media outlets including the BBC in England, multi-award winning regional newspaper Kent on Sunday & Kent on Saturday, Medway Messenger, KMFM Radio Kent, the Meridian Television and in Canada – the Canadian Post Media News and more recently the Winnipeg Free Press, the CBC radio, BBC Radio Wales, CBC The National, The Scotsman (Scotland) and many other community Canadian newspapers. Several magazine articles have been published based on her work, including Bygone Kent and Gillingham Scout News. Lori has written several articles for magazines including “Canadian Stories” and the Grey Bruce magazine "Mosaic", Focus 50 magazine and a Quebec History magazine. Lori had the honor of writing the forward for the newly released book "Promises of Homes" - a collection of stories of British Home Children by Rose McCormick Brandon. She is also recognized in the 2014 release of "Laying the Children's Ghosts to Rest" for her contributions to this book. Lori co-wrote the January 2015 article published in the magazine Your Town Newcastle Magazine.
Lori's research work has been recognized and praised by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Ms. Oschefski’s assistance was requested by OSDAR State Chairman, Lineage Research to assist the DAR genealogist team is proving blood line in for a pending membership application. Her successful research in this project won much acclaim from DAR.
Accomplishments also include a campaign which won the restoration of the graves of the victims of the Gillingham Park Fete Tragedy and the instillation of a beautiful new memorial in memory of these lives. Ms. Oschefski launched the campaign for recognition of these victims and this tragedy after discovering her 1st cousin 1x removed, 12 year old Eric Edward Cheesman perished in this tragedy. Over the years this tragedy had virtually been erased from the history of the community. Through the outstanding efforts of Ms. Oschefski this event has taken its rightful place in the history of the community and is now known world wide. The pinnacle of her work with this tragedy was the July 9th 2011 Unveiling of the memorial, which was preceded by a private Family Commemoration Service in the Cemetery. These ceremonies were attended by hundreds of people including the Mayor of Gillingham, other Dignitaries, several media outlets including television coverage by Meridian TV. Ms. Oschefski was involved, internationally, in the detailed organization of both these ceremonies, heading the decision making processes. The official Commemorative Program, a historical keepsake, was designed by Ms. Oschefski, printed in Canada and flown to England for this event. Ms. Oschefski’s genealogical research on each of the fifteen victims, not only enabled eighty family members to attend the services this day, but brought knowledge of this tragedy and these events to family members world wide. Each one of these victims has now been reconnected to their families and will be remembered forever, not only historically but within their rightful place in their own family histories. Recently Lori donated two memorial plaques detailed this tragedy and its victims to the newly opened Kent Firefighting Museum in England.
In 2010 Ms. Oschefski also became involved in a memorial research project involving the June 6 1944 twin accidents involving four B26 Marauder’s of the United States Air Force. These incidents took the lives of twenty three American Air Men, four civilians with one pilot surviving. Again, this was an incident in which few details were know and at the request of a family member involved, she put together the details and the story of this tragic accident. Details can be found on Ms. Oschefski’s web site The Gillingham & Battle B26 Crashes of 1944. Current work with this project involved coordinating the Essex City Council, the British Army and the USAF in the relinquishment of the dog tag of Sgt. Edward Bailey to his family. Sgt. Bailey’s tag, was discovered to be still in England in September of 2011, largely by the efforts of Ms. Oschefski. Once the tag was discovered, she was able to locate his family in the United States and coordinate the transfer. On June 30th 2012, the tag was successfully transferred to Sgt. Bailey's family in the United States.
Ms. Oschefski became involved with the Home Children when, in 2008, her mother, at the age of eighty six, revealed that she had been adopted. Ms. Oschefski soon discovered that her mother was, in fact, a Child Migrant of the Salvation Army brought to Canada in 1924. In researching her mother’s family history Ms. Oschefski not only discovered that she was the Child of a Child Migrant, but that in fact, her maternal Grandfather was a British Home Child of the Dr. Barnardo Homes. In fact, research has revealed that there are an incredible number of fifteen BHC in her family tree.
In her advocacy work with the BHC, Ms. Oschefski strives to catalogue Home Child information and Home Children stories, and with her abilities in Family History Research, to reconnect families unjustly torn apart by these migrant programs. Ms. Oschefski’s work with the migrant children is cataloged in the December 2011 released web site British Home Children in Canada.
In December of 2012, Lori founded the first national organization in Canada for the British Home Children, British Home Children Advocacy & Research Association. (BHCARA) This organization has quickly moved to the forefront of the British Home Child movement in Canada. It is the first organization to use the social media to function and to promote this story, with great success. In 2013, Ms. Oschefski was interviewed by Australian Author and Professor, Suellen Murry for her new book on responses to adult care-leavers, among whom she includes Child Migrants. Professor Murry was particularly interested in the unique way the organization is run.
In 2013 a partnership was formed with the BHCARA and Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto to bring the story of the BHC to Toronto and central Ontario. In July of 2014, the BCPV & the BHCARA were thrilled to open an exhibit at the village in their McNair Gallery. The BHCPV and the BHCARA were awarded the Ontario Museum Association's Award of Excellence in Exhibitions in 2016. The exhibit remains open long term.
Don Cherry of Coaches Corner attended a First World War Commemoration Service held at the village in July of 2013 in support of the organizations work.
On July 1, 2017 the Canadian Museum of History in Quebec, in collaboration with the BHCARA, introduced for the first time, the BHC in their newly opened Canadian History Hall.
Lori's research work has been recognized and praised by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Ms. Oschefski’s assistance was requested by OSDAR State Chairman, Lineage Research to assist the DAR genealogist team is proving blood line in for a pending membership application. Her successful research in this project won much acclaim from DAR.
Accomplishments also include a campaign which won the restoration of the graves of the victims of the Gillingham Park Fete Tragedy and the instillation of a beautiful new memorial in memory of these lives. Ms. Oschefski launched the campaign for recognition of these victims and this tragedy after discovering her 1st cousin 1x removed, 12 year old Eric Edward Cheesman perished in this tragedy. Over the years this tragedy had virtually been erased from the history of the community. Through the outstanding efforts of Ms. Oschefski this event has taken its rightful place in the history of the community and is now known world wide. The pinnacle of her work with this tragedy was the July 9th 2011 Unveiling of the memorial, which was preceded by a private Family Commemoration Service in the Cemetery. These ceremonies were attended by hundreds of people including the Mayor of Gillingham, other Dignitaries, several media outlets including television coverage by Meridian TV. Ms. Oschefski was involved, internationally, in the detailed organization of both these ceremonies, heading the decision making processes. The official Commemorative Program, a historical keepsake, was designed by Ms. Oschefski, printed in Canada and flown to England for this event. Ms. Oschefski’s genealogical research on each of the fifteen victims, not only enabled eighty family members to attend the services this day, but brought knowledge of this tragedy and these events to family members world wide. Each one of these victims has now been reconnected to their families and will be remembered forever, not only historically but within their rightful place in their own family histories. Recently Lori donated two memorial plaques detailed this tragedy and its victims to the newly opened Kent Firefighting Museum in England.
In 2010 Ms. Oschefski also became involved in a memorial research project involving the June 6 1944 twin accidents involving four B26 Marauder’s of the United States Air Force. These incidents took the lives of twenty three American Air Men, four civilians with one pilot surviving. Again, this was an incident in which few details were know and at the request of a family member involved, she put together the details and the story of this tragic accident. Details can be found on Ms. Oschefski’s web site The Gillingham & Battle B26 Crashes of 1944. Current work with this project involved coordinating the Essex City Council, the British Army and the USAF in the relinquishment of the dog tag of Sgt. Edward Bailey to his family. Sgt. Bailey’s tag, was discovered to be still in England in September of 2011, largely by the efforts of Ms. Oschefski. Once the tag was discovered, she was able to locate his family in the United States and coordinate the transfer. On June 30th 2012, the tag was successfully transferred to Sgt. Bailey's family in the United States.
Ms. Oschefski became involved with the Home Children when, in 2008, her mother, at the age of eighty six, revealed that she had been adopted. Ms. Oschefski soon discovered that her mother was, in fact, a Child Migrant of the Salvation Army brought to Canada in 1924. In researching her mother’s family history Ms. Oschefski not only discovered that she was the Child of a Child Migrant, but that in fact, her maternal Grandfather was a British Home Child of the Dr. Barnardo Homes. In fact, research has revealed that there are an incredible number of fifteen BHC in her family tree.
In her advocacy work with the BHC, Ms. Oschefski strives to catalogue Home Child information and Home Children stories, and with her abilities in Family History Research, to reconnect families unjustly torn apart by these migrant programs. Ms. Oschefski’s work with the migrant children is cataloged in the December 2011 released web site British Home Children in Canada.
In December of 2012, Lori founded the first national organization in Canada for the British Home Children, British Home Children Advocacy & Research Association. (BHCARA) This organization has quickly moved to the forefront of the British Home Child movement in Canada. It is the first organization to use the social media to function and to promote this story, with great success. In 2013, Ms. Oschefski was interviewed by Australian Author and Professor, Suellen Murry for her new book on responses to adult care-leavers, among whom she includes Child Migrants. Professor Murry was particularly interested in the unique way the organization is run.
In 2013 a partnership was formed with the BHCARA and Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto to bring the story of the BHC to Toronto and central Ontario. In July of 2014, the BCPV & the BHCARA were thrilled to open an exhibit at the village in their McNair Gallery. The BHCPV and the BHCARA were awarded the Ontario Museum Association's Award of Excellence in Exhibitions in 2016. The exhibit remains open long term.
Don Cherry of Coaches Corner attended a First World War Commemoration Service held at the village in July of 2013 in support of the organizations work.
On July 1, 2017 the Canadian Museum of History in Quebec, in collaboration with the BHCARA, introduced for the first time, the BHC in their newly opened Canadian History Hall.
Lori with Don Cherry
Article from the Gillingham Park Fete Tragedy Memorial
Testimonials
“Lori is an extremely diligent and savy researcher. The intensity and commitment Lori displayed in researching and compiling our factual family history far exceeded expectations. Lori went to great lengths to trace our history which culminated in an outstanding book of infinite details of our family connections. Plus gaining an understanding "from whence we came" we have been reconnected to many lost relatives whom we now count as friends. Our family would recommend Lori as a researcher who stretches her limits to produce an exemplary product. - Darlene Thompson
“Lori's research of the B26 bombing accident on D-day in Gillgham, Kent, England led her to my door because my cousin, Witcher Terrell Berger, was the pilot of the plane and because I had set up a memorial for him on FindAGrave.com. Lori gave our family details and photos of the incident that we had never heard about or seen and she presented it all with a careful respect of our family and the families of the victims both in the plane and on the ground. We will be forever grateful to Lori for sharing her research with us and for remembering those who died that day. Thank you, Lori.” - Roanna Cann
I have known Lori for just a few years but in that time, I have followed with admiration her research into American USAAF casualties killed over England and then her research into a fire tragedy in Kent in 1929. This latter must be her crowning achievement and it would be hard for her efforts to be bettered. Most of her research was carried out in her home country with only one visit to the area where the tragedy occurred. Her work culminated in the erection of a memorial in Gillingham’s public park and her progress was taken up by the local media including TV.She was able to trace descendants of the tragedy, most of whom travelled from far and wide to attend the various ceremonies which she organized for July 2011. These ceremonies went perfectly, all of which is entirely due to her outstanding organizing abilities. - Geoff Gillon
“I had the pleasure of seeing Lori's work first-hand whilst she was reseaarching the Gillingham Park Fete Tragedy. From the outset, her passion and talent was abundantly clear, so I helped her campaign to get a memorial for the victims of the tragedy by creating and helping to promote a petition to Medway Council in England.
Lori's hard work and dedication paid off when the council commissioned such a memorial. However, her work did not stop there. Despite living halfway around the world in Canada, Lori set about the task of tracing the living relatives of the victims. The real testament to her efforts and her talents lies in the fact that, when she stood beside the Mayor of Medway to unveil the memorial in July, it was witnessede by relatives of most of the victims, who had also held a privatee memorial service by their gravs earlier the same day. I would not hesitate to recommend Lori to anyone seeking assistance in researching their family and ancestral history.” Alan William Collins Founding Editor, Birmingham and Beyond
“Lori's research of the B26 bombing accident on D-day in Gillgham, Kent, England led her to my door because my cousin, Witcher Terrell Berger, was the pilot of the plane and because I had set up a memorial for him on FindAGrave.com. Lori gave our family details and photos of the incident that we had never heard about or seen and she presented it all with a careful respect of our family and the families of the victims both in the plane and on the ground. We will be forever grateful to Lori for sharing her research with us and for remembering those who died that day. Thank you, Lori.” - Roanna Cann
I have known Lori for just a few years but in that time, I have followed with admiration her research into American USAAF casualties killed over England and then her research into a fire tragedy in Kent in 1929. This latter must be her crowning achievement and it would be hard for her efforts to be bettered. Most of her research was carried out in her home country with only one visit to the area where the tragedy occurred. Her work culminated in the erection of a memorial in Gillingham’s public park and her progress was taken up by the local media including TV.She was able to trace descendants of the tragedy, most of whom travelled from far and wide to attend the various ceremonies which she organized for July 2011. These ceremonies went perfectly, all of which is entirely due to her outstanding organizing abilities. - Geoff Gillon
“I had the pleasure of seeing Lori's work first-hand whilst she was reseaarching the Gillingham Park Fete Tragedy. From the outset, her passion and talent was abundantly clear, so I helped her campaign to get a memorial for the victims of the tragedy by creating and helping to promote a petition to Medway Council in England.
Lori's hard work and dedication paid off when the council commissioned such a memorial. However, her work did not stop there. Despite living halfway around the world in Canada, Lori set about the task of tracing the living relatives of the victims. The real testament to her efforts and her talents lies in the fact that, when she stood beside the Mayor of Medway to unveil the memorial in July, it was witnessede by relatives of most of the victims, who had also held a privatee memorial service by their gravs earlier the same day. I would not hesitate to recommend Lori to anyone seeking assistance in researching their family and ancestral history.” Alan William Collins Founding Editor, Birmingham and Beyond
Notes of thanks from the families of the Gillingham Park Fete Tragedy
Notes from family members of the victims and community members:
I took my Grandad along today. His good friend and neighbour was little Ivor Sinden. It was a very emotional day for him as the last time he saw Ivor was on the day of the tragedy. It was a very a moving day. What happened that day still affected him more than 80 years on and we didn't even know. It was down to you Lori that he was able to pay his respects to Ivor and have some closure. Which means a lot to him and to us. Thank you Lori x - Catherine
A very emotional day at the cemetary and at the park. Thanks to Lori and everyone involved - very emotional and overwhelming sometimes. - Melanie
It was a wonderful day, and great to see so many people there. The memorial is lovely and a fitting tribute, I was struck by how beautiful it was - even in silhouette before the unveiling. My other half lived opposite the park for over ten years and had never heard of the tragedy, so well done for all your efforts in commemorating the event and the lives lost. - Natalie
Hello Lori, nice to see you again! Am still talking to people about the 'event', there are many people who do not know of the incident so long ago. It's good to explain things to them and of course there are lots of pictures to support it. Best wishes, Peter.
Have just arrived home back in Devon after fantastic weekend,yesterday was wonderful,very emotional,my daughter and I were so pleased to be able to take part and meet distant a cousin.Speeches were perfect! Well done Lori for making all this happen,wonderful to meet you at last. - Anne
It was a wonderful event and hats off to you for all your hardwork, dedication, research and generally making it all happen. It was a pleasure to meet you. - Jill
Hi Lori, thanks for allowing me to be part of the amazing day that came about due to all your hard work. Thank you. - Bob
Today in Gillingham UK, a permanent Memorial was unveiled to remember those lost in the tragedy 82 years ago. The memorial is proof that one person can make a difference. Lori Oschefski is a member of this group and she made it happen....Kudos Lori - Judith
Lori, what you've accomplished, from across the Atlantic, is nothing short of amazing. I was telling my son about what you've done and I cried. Your absolute reverence for Eric, and all of the others, none of whom you know, is priceless and inspiring. - Lisa
Lori - This is proof that one person's determination CAN make a difference!!! Congrats, My Friend!!! U have touched the lives of many people!!! - John
I think it's wonderful all the time & passion you've put into the Gillingham fete tragedy. To right some wrongs, to have the graves taken care of, and to remind people of this tragedy. - Teri
Well, what a marvellous day. Thank you Lori - it's all down to you that I got to say a few words over my grandfather's grave, and that I have become reunited with six cousins that I'd lost contact with. Can't thank you enough. Very moving. - Richard
well done Lori..it was great to finally meet you in the flesh - John
Absolutely wonderful!!! A great tribute and accomplishment. The photos of the scouts and the firemen in procession...spans time doesn't it. All those family members there to honor & remember their lives...very moving! - Annette
What a wonderful tribute Lori. You should be so proud of what you've achieved! - Jennifer
Impressive, wonderful turnout..........proud to know you - Barbara
The completion of a labor of love,well done Lori. - Steven
Wow, Lori. So proud of you!! Congratulations for fulfilling your dream and for providing a long overdue place to grieve. This is a heartwarming example of international cooperation. - Kevin
You should be very proud of what you have given to others, Wonderful! - Cliff
Dear Lori,
As Keith’s wife may I, in my own capacity, thank you personally for such a brilliantly executed memorial, today. It was pitched perfect, with just the right amount of gravitas at Woodlands Cemetery (where coincidently my grandparents, mother, her sister and brother are all buried) which gave gentle “permission” for all families’ members to express their deep emotion and pride in whichever way they chose. Thence to the park, with a welcome tea & bun ~ allowing families to mingle and claim “ownership” of the unveiling. I am completely certain part of today’s magic lay in the fact that by the time the actual memorial was unveiled, family members were genuinely, personally experiencing their own interpretation of that tragic day, which made the memorial so relevant and so honourably received. As I said in person to you, your speech was a triumph, you have put us to shame! Thank you for all that you have done. I know the effects will be far-reaching.
Kindest regards
Jane
Dear Lori
You are to be congratulated on all your hard work in bringing this to fruition. It was an honour to be in attendance on the day of the ceremony and I felt humbled by your sincerity, and also by your dogged determination to keep alive the memories of those poor unfortunates. I'm sorry I wasn't able to be at Woodlands cemetery beforehand, but thank you for posting so many photographs on your website of the respects being paid by the graves of the victims. The whole website is a mine of information ... absolutely superb. The opportunity to cross paths with you at long last certainly proved to be an uplifting experience. I was particularly moved by your very emotional address to all those gathered at the memorial, and I cannot describe the respect I felt for you and your untiring devotion in achieving so much.
I was a pleasure to be able to assist in some small way. - John
Lori, thank you so much for sending the photos of the memorial unveiling. What an amazing occasion you managed to arrange and how lovely that those firemen and cadets are now remembered so appropriately. It is difficult to comprehend how you could have located so many families and that they participated and that various members of the local council were so helpful. You have a major occasion of closure on a very, very sad situation to add to your family history. What does your mother think about the wonderful pictures and the memorial service? - Dorothy
I took my Grandad along today. His good friend and neighbour was little Ivor Sinden. It was a very emotional day for him as the last time he saw Ivor was on the day of the tragedy. It was a very a moving day. What happened that day still affected him more than 80 years on and we didn't even know. It was down to you Lori that he was able to pay his respects to Ivor and have some closure. Which means a lot to him and to us. Thank you Lori x - Catherine
A very emotional day at the cemetary and at the park. Thanks to Lori and everyone involved - very emotional and overwhelming sometimes. - Melanie
It was a wonderful day, and great to see so many people there. The memorial is lovely and a fitting tribute, I was struck by how beautiful it was - even in silhouette before the unveiling. My other half lived opposite the park for over ten years and had never heard of the tragedy, so well done for all your efforts in commemorating the event and the lives lost. - Natalie
Hello Lori, nice to see you again! Am still talking to people about the 'event', there are many people who do not know of the incident so long ago. It's good to explain things to them and of course there are lots of pictures to support it. Best wishes, Peter.
Have just arrived home back in Devon after fantastic weekend,yesterday was wonderful,very emotional,my daughter and I were so pleased to be able to take part and meet distant a cousin.Speeches were perfect! Well done Lori for making all this happen,wonderful to meet you at last. - Anne
It was a wonderful event and hats off to you for all your hardwork, dedication, research and generally making it all happen. It was a pleasure to meet you. - Jill
Hi Lori, thanks for allowing me to be part of the amazing day that came about due to all your hard work. Thank you. - Bob
Today in Gillingham UK, a permanent Memorial was unveiled to remember those lost in the tragedy 82 years ago. The memorial is proof that one person can make a difference. Lori Oschefski is a member of this group and she made it happen....Kudos Lori - Judith
Lori, what you've accomplished, from across the Atlantic, is nothing short of amazing. I was telling my son about what you've done and I cried. Your absolute reverence for Eric, and all of the others, none of whom you know, is priceless and inspiring. - Lisa
Lori - This is proof that one person's determination CAN make a difference!!! Congrats, My Friend!!! U have touched the lives of many people!!! - John
I think it's wonderful all the time & passion you've put into the Gillingham fete tragedy. To right some wrongs, to have the graves taken care of, and to remind people of this tragedy. - Teri
Well, what a marvellous day. Thank you Lori - it's all down to you that I got to say a few words over my grandfather's grave, and that I have become reunited with six cousins that I'd lost contact with. Can't thank you enough. Very moving. - Richard
well done Lori..it was great to finally meet you in the flesh - John
Absolutely wonderful!!! A great tribute and accomplishment. The photos of the scouts and the firemen in procession...spans time doesn't it. All those family members there to honor & remember their lives...very moving! - Annette
What a wonderful tribute Lori. You should be so proud of what you've achieved! - Jennifer
Impressive, wonderful turnout..........proud to know you - Barbara
The completion of a labor of love,well done Lori. - Steven
Wow, Lori. So proud of you!! Congratulations for fulfilling your dream and for providing a long overdue place to grieve. This is a heartwarming example of international cooperation. - Kevin
You should be very proud of what you have given to others, Wonderful! - Cliff
Dear Lori,
As Keith’s wife may I, in my own capacity, thank you personally for such a brilliantly executed memorial, today. It was pitched perfect, with just the right amount of gravitas at Woodlands Cemetery (where coincidently my grandparents, mother, her sister and brother are all buried) which gave gentle “permission” for all families’ members to express their deep emotion and pride in whichever way they chose. Thence to the park, with a welcome tea & bun ~ allowing families to mingle and claim “ownership” of the unveiling. I am completely certain part of today’s magic lay in the fact that by the time the actual memorial was unveiled, family members were genuinely, personally experiencing their own interpretation of that tragic day, which made the memorial so relevant and so honourably received. As I said in person to you, your speech was a triumph, you have put us to shame! Thank you for all that you have done. I know the effects will be far-reaching.
Kindest regards
Jane
Dear Lori
You are to be congratulated on all your hard work in bringing this to fruition. It was an honour to be in attendance on the day of the ceremony and I felt humbled by your sincerity, and also by your dogged determination to keep alive the memories of those poor unfortunates. I'm sorry I wasn't able to be at Woodlands cemetery beforehand, but thank you for posting so many photographs on your website of the respects being paid by the graves of the victims. The whole website is a mine of information ... absolutely superb. The opportunity to cross paths with you at long last certainly proved to be an uplifting experience. I was particularly moved by your very emotional address to all those gathered at the memorial, and I cannot describe the respect I felt for you and your untiring devotion in achieving so much.
I was a pleasure to be able to assist in some small way. - John
Lori, thank you so much for sending the photos of the memorial unveiling. What an amazing occasion you managed to arrange and how lovely that those firemen and cadets are now remembered so appropriately. It is difficult to comprehend how you could have located so many families and that they participated and that various members of the local council were so helpful. You have a major occasion of closure on a very, very sad situation to add to your family history. What does your mother think about the wonderful pictures and the memorial service? - Dorothy
