Scotch-Irish-L Archives

From:
Subject: NERGC in Maine- need more S-I
Date: Fri, 01 Apr 2005 22:16:41 -0500
References: <200503311553.AA126615770@mail.fea.net>
In-Reply-To: <200503311553.AA126615770@mail.fea.net>

Hi Gang,
As mentioned before, I am attending the NERGC conference in Portland, Maine which runs until Sunday the 3rd. Surprise, Surprise> there's no Scotch-Irish speakers even though we are literally at the landing site for at least one of the 1718 ships. However, I am happy to report that there are people all over this place looking for Scotch-Irish ancestors. Most do know there's a Ireland and Scotland relationship. Some have bought into the "we are all Irish" baloney. It is amazing how many S-I are really clueless about their ethnic identity(fortunately, not this group).
I really believe, if we start talking about Scotch-Irish research, the powers that be at places like NEHGS, NERGC, NGS will begin to LOOK for S-I speakers, and S-I materials; and actually place S-I topics on their conference schedules. My viewpoint is that NO ONE is clamouring for that type of information, and so we have to pick up scraps at any lecture we can attend.
I attended a very informal "ethnic social" group the first night. This was a great idea. People researching a specific topic or ethnic group met in a room around a bunch of chairs and sofas, and just shared there stories, questions etc. My "Scottish" group had over 15 people, and at least 40% of the discussion was on S-I research, and well over 80% of the group clearly had Scotch-Irish ancestors!! But, they had no idea how to find them, and in many cases had just given up researching. Fortunately, a lady present and myself were able to share some basic research tips to get them back on track. Now, if they bemoan the lack of S-I topics at the conference, maybe we can get at least one lecturer at the next conference in CT next April.

I spent some hours looking at the Maine Historical Society Archives in Portland. This place is awesome, and I will come back. YES> I can know add more then five DOCUMENTED families to my 1718 project. I also found the name of a famous Presbyterian preacher/theologian in the 1718 group. I will share his name and info ,when I get home to confirm his vitasl, whereabouts etc. Guess what- he went to Philadelphia almost immediately after 1718!!

Till I come back on the 9th, God bless,and keep on digging :)

Colin Brooks
Treasurer- Scotch-Irish Society of the USA
The 1718 Project

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