First #KiltedKulture Conference for #YS2022

The first of our quarterly events for Year of Stories is officially in the books. And what a fantastic day we had. 

The theme for this conference was Emigration from Scotland. We heard from those who emigrated, in their own words, through the work that Dr Marjory Harper has undertaken. Her new audio book will give you a deeper glimpse into what we heard today. 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08NTZ8BRP/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4

Then we learned about the Highland and Island Emigration Database available online via the NRS for those whose highland ancestors went to Australia. You can learn more about those records here: 
https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/record-guides/highland-and-island-emigration-society-records#Background%20information

Following a short break, we heard from Dr Keir Strickland who led an excavation in the Strath of Kildonan and who shared the information he learned about the people who had been cleared from the village of Caen. 

And we rounded the day off by talking about the Scottish Highlanders who emigrated to the east coast of Canada. 

We had a wonderful time reading the emigration stories of the ancestors of the conference attendees. It is these stories that we, as family historians, work to both uncover and preserve.

 
Many thanks to those companies that so willingly donated door prizes: 

• RootsMagic
• Findmypast
• Cumbria FHS
• Lanarkshire FHS
• Pen & Sword

We are looking forward to the next conference. This one on June 18th with the theme of Crime and Punishment. 

Here's the link: https://www.genealogyvic.com/JUNE-KILTEDKULTURE-EVENT

I've Booked a Hotel in Kyiv for My Birthday

My birthday is this month. It's hard to consider celebrating with all that is going on in the world. I managed to survive a pandemic and now find myself wondering if I am witnessing the start of a third world war. 

In any humanitarian crisis, most of us have the overwhelming desire or need to help but we feel helpless. Yes, in some cases like weather disasters, we can go and help clean up or rebuild. But it's not that easy when the crisis is precipitated by an act of aggression. 

I finally realized today, what I can do to help. Another genealogist gave me the idea and inspiration. I turned to Airbnb and booked a stay at an apart-hotel in Kyiv. For my birthday. This month. In the middle of the chaos of war.

I have no intention of going to Kyiv. But I have made the reservation and have paid and let the owners know I won't be staying. I want them to keep the money in hopes that it helps their family in some small way. I hope that my birthday gift to me also helps someone across the globe who is suffering the unimaginable just now.

Stay Strong, Ukraine. The world is with you.

#KILTEDKULTURE Emigration Conference March 19 2022

 

The first of our quarterly sessions is happening in just three short weeks. We will be focusing on Scots who left their homeland. This conference-style event is just $17cad. Access to the recordings is available for 30 days after the live event to accommodate time zone and scheduling challenges. 

The schedule for the day is: 

• VOICES OF THE SCOTS DIASPORA BY DR MARJORY HARPER
• HIE DATABASE BY JESSICA EVERSHED 
• EXCAVATING THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES BY DR KEIR STRICKLAND 
• SCOTS IN ATLANTIC CANADA BY CHRISTINE WOODCOCK

Everyone registered will get 50% off a MyHeritage subscription. 

The day starts at 9 am eastern (1 pm UK). To register: https://www.genealogyvic.com/