Explore your roots at Mid-Antrim Museum

Entitled “Exploring Your Roots”, it examines how museums can be a unique resource for those seeking to find out more about their family history.

A free exhibition guide is also available and has been produced in association with the Ulster Historical Foundation and includes a detailed section on local sources for family history research.

To complement the exhibition MAMS is offering an extensive series of talks, workshops and tours. The programme starts at 2pm on November 10 with a talk entitled ‘Unlocking PRONI’ by PRONI staff member, Dr Ann McVeigh.

The following Saturday there will be a morning tour of the Old Churchyard Graveyard plus a ‘behind the scenes’ private tour of the Mid-Antrim Museum. The tour, entitled ‘Local Ancestors’, begins at 10.30am and the meeting point is The Braid.

The programme continues on November 15 with an informative talk by Dr. William Roulston entitled ‘Researching Farming Families’. Then Mary Bradley from the Local Studies Library looks at on-line resources as well as exploring the library’s rich collection of resources on November 24 in Ballymena Central Library, Pat’s Brae, starting at 6.30pm.

The last talk - Townlands and Placenames- will be given by Dr Kay Muhr on November 29.

Then on Thursday, December 1, a practical session entitled ‘Introducing the Dippam website’ will be delivered by Dr. Paddy Fitzgerald in Ballymena Central Library starting at 6.30pm. The programme concludes on December 6 when Brian O’Hara gives a presentation on the work of the Ballymena Family History society (including a practical workshop).

There is free admission to the exhibition and to the associated programme of events. Talks are held in The Braid, Bridge Street and begin at 7pm unless stated. Everyone welcome. For more information visit www.thebraid.com) or contact Shirin Murphy, telephone: 028 2563 5977, email: [email protected]. .