Things are gearing up for an exciting and busy year at Monreagh Ulster Scots / Scotch Irish Heritage Centre, Carrigans, County Donegal, Ireland. The Centre, which is one of the Friends of the Ullans Academy, has been manned by selfless and hard-working volunteers since its opening in May 2009. But now with the recruitment of a new manager, historical consultant and administrator, the Centre can go to the next level in terms of service to the community, outreach and education.
Dr Brendan Scott is from Belturbet, Co. Cavan. He has lectured and worked at NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth, University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin. He has written a number of books and articles on Ireland in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. He is the editor of the Breifne historical journal. Prior to taking up the position as manager at Monreagh Ulster Scots / Scots Irish Heritage and Education Centre, Brendan was Research Officer at Cavan County Museum. Margaret Gibson is from Newtowncunningham and the Centre’s new admin Person with all her many financial skills she will be an asset to the running of the centre.
The Centre promotes “the Ulster Scots Story”, but also deals with the general history of the east Donegal region. This is a shared history, and the Centre actively welcomes people from all backgrounds and faiths. It has applied for Peace III funding to run peace themed projects and has also applied for a Capital Funding Grant from Fáilte Ireland to make the Centre more accessible and further its general appeal. The Centre plans to involve local primary schools in a new education programme which they have devised. This programme has been designed to relate to the primary school curriculum, so both teachers and pupils alike will find it very beneficial and of course fun! A local history lecture series will also run throughout the Winter/Spring and details will be posted in local media when these are taking place.
The Ulster Scots Centre is also devising new local history trails for people to undertake when visiting the area and are always glad to answer any queries which people may have in relation to local history and genealogy. Ulster Scots Tours are of course available if groups or individuals require guidance on these. It is also generating a new database of people who wish to be notified of upcoming events. Should anyone wish to be included in this database, please contact the Centre at 074 9140708 or email at monreaghulsterscotscentre@town.ie www.monreaghulsterscotscentre.town.ie or find them on Facebook.
The National Heritage Week 2011 seeks to protect and enhance the richness, quality and diversity of our national heritage for everyone. The programme of Ulster Scots events takes place from 20th to 28th August and will include Ulster Scots Poetry, Music, Talks, Lambeg Drum making, Pipers, Music and the Journey men demonstrating saddle making, wood turning, and stone carving. Also please join them to talk to genealogist Boyd Gray http://familytrees.genopro.com/boydgray26/Boyd/default.htm to get advice and further information on how to search for your Irish ancestors. Before you know it, you could be uncovering a wealth of family history. Please remember to bring along some basic information on the day such as: name and name variations, age, occupation, religion, spouse’s name possible parents’ names, possible age of parents, possible associates and any other information on any other family members you may have.
Monreagh Ulster Scots / Scotch Irish Heritage Centre is open from Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4.30 pm all year round, and on Sunday from 2-5 pm during the Summer months.