Family History Month - Scottish Genealogy Symposium

Join me in Halifax for a full day of Scottish genealogy talks. Register by midnight on Wednesday October 12th, 2016 at www.novascotiaancestors.ca

Part of Edinburgh Castle Belongs to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a long historic link with Scotland, and not only in name. As early as 1624, King James I (King James VI of England) offered a number of baronetcies to his loyal landowners. These land grants were in what is now Nova Scotia. In order to fulfill the qualifications of receiving crown land, the receiver was to stand on his plot of land and declare allegiance to the King. The distance involved called for some creativity and so King James VI & I declared a portion of Edinburgh Castle as “Nova Scotia” so that the potential landowners could stand on this “portion of Nova Scotia” and declare their allegiance without having to travel to the Americas. On the wall, just outside the main gate of the Castle, is this sign:

  

  

The sign reads:

“Near this spot in 1625 Sir William Alexander of Menstrie Earl of Stirling received sasine or lawful possession of the Royal Province of Nova Scotia by the ancient and symbolic ceremony of delivery of earth and stone from Castlehill by a representative of the King. Here also, the Scottish Baronets of Nova Scotia received sasine of their distant baronies.”

Of course at this time in history, Nova Scotia incorporated parts of southern and eastern Maine as well as lower and western New Brunswick, especially along the Fundy Coast. 

Join Me in Halifax!

I am thrilled to have been invited by the Genealogical Society of Nova Scotia to speak at a day long symposium. 

Join us on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the William Spry Community Centre for a day of talks on Scottish genealogy research. 

Talks include: 

• In Search of Your Scottish Ancestors (getting started on Scottish research)
• Lesser Known Databases for Scottish Research (both online and offline)
• Breaking Through Brick Walls (strategies for discovering "next steps")
• They Came From Scotland (Tracking Your Scots Immigrant Ancestor)

GANS is going to feed you as well! Lunch and refreshments are provided to keep you energized. There will be publication sales and chances to purchase these resources during breaks.

The day is full of genealogy fun and learning and is open to everyone. To register, simply click this link. 

I'm looking forward to seeing you in Halifax in October!

240th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Ship Hector.

Pictou United Church in Pictou, Nova Scotia invites you to join them for their
"Worship with a Celtic Flair" as we celebrate the 240th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Ship Hector. 

Details:

Sunday, September 15th at 10:30am
featuring storytelling, highland dancing, Celtic music, bagpipes and Gaelic singing.

Pictou United Church is located at 47 James Street, Pictou , Nova Scotia
for more information please call the Pictou United Church Office: 485-8081