Is your Granny here?

Dr. Ann McVeigh demonstrated to visitors the value of the Public Records Office and invited everyone to come visit their new premises in the Titanic Quarter. Dr William Roulston had participants engrossed with his presentation on how to research farming backgrounds, with one visitor saying they, ‘enjoyed every minute’ of it.

With high levels of participation the fun is set to continue with a range of fascinating presentations designed to appeal to all, from casual interest and beginners to research enthusiasts.

Mary Bradley will be demonstrating how to do family history on the web and well as showing participants the range of valuable materials held by Ballymena library, available right at your fingertips! Find out about Ancestry Library Edition, free to access at any library and key resources relating to emigration (November 24 Ballymena Central Library 6.30pm).

What’s in a name? Dr. Kay Muhr from the Ulster Place-Name Society, will be answering this and other questions in her talk, Townlands and Placenames, a subject close to the hearts of many. Included will be early names and history of the region, significant surnames of the area, and more recent names. Languages used in local names - Irish, English, Scots will also be discussed Nov. 29 The Braid, 7pm).

Dr. Paddy Fitzgerald from the Centre for Migration Studies at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh will be exploring the relationship between migration history and family history. He will be presenting evidence from the DIPPAM (Documenting Ireland: Parliament, People and Migration) website which will throw particular light upon the migration of families connected to the mid-Antrim area. (Dec. 1 6.30pm, Ballymena Central Library).

Last but not least Brian O’Hara will be giving a presentation on the work of the Ballymena Family History Society. Here is your opportunity to make contact with like-minded enthusiasts! (Dec. 6 The Braid, 7pm)

This talks & tours programme is brought to you by Mid-Antrim Museums Service to complement their newest exhibition, Exploring Your Roots on display at Mid-Antrim Museum at the Braid. Admission to all events is free. To book your place please contact Shirin Murphy T: 02825635977 E: [email protected]. For more information visit www. Thebraid.com