Tuesday 7 May 2013

Genealogy course for Monaghan Diaspora

As part of this year's The Gathering, a four-day training course will be held (twice) in October specifically designed for tourists with County Monaghan connections.

County Monaghan Genealogy – home to the little hills
will provide participants with information on the genealogical sources available, the cultural history of county and the diversity of origin of its people. The courses will take place in the north of the county from Monday to Thursday, 14-17 October, and in Carrickmacross from Monday to Thursday, 21-24 October. The courses are designed for individuals and groups with Monaghan ancestry living overseas and members of Irish societies and social clubs abroad.

Both courses will run from 9am–4pm each day, with two evening sessions each week from 7pm–9pm. The training modules will include:
  • A broad view of the history of the County Monaghan taking in key periods and subjects such as: the Plantation, famine, occupations, emigration, partition, the Troubles, estates, language, folklore, built & natural heritage, families, religion. This module will set County Monaghan in a national and international context.
  • A close inspection of sources for Monaghan genealogy such as: church & civil records, estate records, valuation records, shipping records, census, convict records, school records, military records, wills, election records, printed records, DNA genealogy and online sources.
  • Site visits and cultural events will form an integral part of the training and might include: ancestral homes, workhouses, graveyards, library, museum, archaeological sites, estates, music, dance, language events, storytelling or walks. There will be an emphasis on active participation in events, rather than merely watching.
Training outputs for participants will include:
  • The ability to identify, locate and reference genealogical sources for the county.
  • Ability to assess and organise genealogical information and construct a basic family tree.
  • Basic knowledge of the history of the county.
  • Basic knowledge of the geography of the county including land divisions.
  • Familiarity with emigration patterns and the reasons for emigration.
  • An appreciation of the cultural history of County Monaghan and the diversity of origins of County Monaghan people.
This project is organised by Clogher Historical Society/Cumann Seanchais Chlochair, Monaghan County Library and the County Monaghan Heritage Gathering Committee and will be delivered by Ancestor Network Ltd, a professional genealogy company.

For further details of the course contact John Hamrock at info@ancestor.ie or telephone +353 87 0505296.