Catch Up With Your Family's Kirrie Connections!
As part of the Barrie 2010 celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of the creator of Peter Pan, a Local History & Genealogy Fair will be held in JM Barrie’s hometown, Kirriemuir, on Saturday, May 15.
The Fair, which is being organised by Tayroots, will provide a host of opportunities for those of Kirrie kith and kin to find out more about the fascinating history of the Little Red Town and the people who have lived there over the centuries, including JM Barrie and his many relatives. And, for those who don’t have a Kirrie branch in their family tree, organisations involved in the local history and genealogical research from across this corner of Scotland will also be in attendance.
Organisations which will be represented at the event include Kirriemuir Heritage Trust, Angus Archives, Deceased Online, Dundee University Archives, Abertay Historical Society, Dundee Storytellers Group, Tay Valley Family History Society, Forfar & District Historical Society, Aberdeen & North East Family History Society, Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre and Heritage Arts Auchmithie Residents (HAAR).
Tayroots is a major initiative established by Angus Council and Dundee City Council to tap into the estimated market of 50 million people across the globe with Scots ancestry by assisting people from near and far find out more about their Angus and Dundee ancestors. “Ancestral tourism is an important segment of the visitor market for Angus,” said Councillor David May, spokesman on tourism for Angus Council. “Events such as this attract visitors who are keen to find out more about their family history and the area in general.”
With so many local history experts, archivists and genealogists under one roof, there’s a good chance of finding even most elusive of ancestors or uncovering the solution to a family mystery – or, if your family is from the Kirriemuir area, perhaps discovering that you are related to JM Barrie himself.
There are currently a limited number of spaces available for stalls at the Kirriemuir Local History and Genealogical Fair on May 15. Heritage organisations, professional genealogists or businesses dealing in memorabilia from days gone by, such as old postcards, antique jewellery or christening robes, should contact tayroots@angusahead.com or call Sheila Faichney on 01307 473263.
To highlight JM Barrie’s birthday – May 9, 1860 – Kirriemuir’s two-week Festival of Imagination starts on Friday, May 7. As well as the Local History & Genealogy Fair, other events include The Ball of Kirriemuir; a Grand Commemorative Concert; the premiere of new play ‘Home To Neverland’; a live poetry event; an evening of traditional music and song; and children’s drama workshops.
For more information about the Barrie 2010 events, visit www.barrie2010.org.uk. For more information about Tay Roots, visit www.tayroots.com.