The branch Zoom meeting for the Killyleagh and district branch of the NI Family Historical Society is set for 6th November 2023
Ken Tait, branch secretary of the Killyleagh and district branch of the NI Family Historical Society is delighted at the interest shown locally in the new season of talks by the Killyleagh branch.
He said: “We have started the season well, and have a healthy membership list which continues to grow. This is thanks in part to publication of our meetings from time to time.
“Our October meeting was another success for the branch and attracted several new faces and new members to the Society.
“The speaker for the evening was Anne Marie Morrisey, who presented an excellent talk about her own family tree.
“It covered how she had researched and discovered lots of great information, including how the use of DNA had greatly assisted her confirming and completing connections between family members.
“And this brought new pieces of the story from otherwise previously unknown sources.
“Anne Marie’s researches had revealed that included in her extended family are several significant figures such as Pat Jennings, Liz Carr, and Winifred Doran, and Patrick James Brown, who is remembered on the commemorative plaque in the Crossgar War memorial Hall.
“The overall message as ever, was that a bit of research into your family’s past can often reveal surprises and reveal that we are all linked, irrespective of what we believe to be our backgrounds.”
Ken said: “Our next branch meeting will take the form of a Zoom meeting, on Monday 6th November at 7.30pm.
“Anyone wishing to join us for the meeting is welcome, and can request the link from branch secretary, myself (Ken Tait), at:
“The guest speakers for this zoom session are Ann Bryant and brother Ed Mahary, both located in the US and with family connections in the Killinchy area.
“Ann and Ed recently visited the area to search for graves and see their family home place etc guided by Leanne Russell and accompanied by Ken and Alison Tait, Lesley Simpson and Moira Concannon.
“Both Ann and Ed have been researching for many years and were keen to share their experiences with us regarding seeking the story of their family’s origins from the perspective of being the descendant of Irish emigrants.
“This can be helpful for folk here, highlighting what to look out for, and what information apparently missing here can be found in the destination country of our emigrating forbears.”
Ken explained that all the branch meetings are open to everyone, and to join this one by zoom, simply email Ken Tait, branch secretary at killyleagh@nifhs.org for the link.
Occasionally they meet in person in Killyleagh and listen to various speakers.
For information about the North of Ireland Family History Society, it’s branches and the programme of meetings and events, visit:
or contact Killyleagh branch secretary at killyleragh@nifhs.org or call (Ken) on:
07790 779985.
