There is an
organization that is devoted to the preservation of the documents for the
Province of Ulster in Ireland. Many people outside of Ireland have a
misconception of Ulster. The Province of Ulster has nine counties, six of which
are in Northern Ireland. The other three are part of the Republic of Ireland. The
six counties that are part of Northern Ireland are: County Antrim, County
Armagh, County Cavan, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry, and County
Tyrone. Counties Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan are in the Republic. Even though
the headquarters for the Ulster Historic Foundation is in Belfast, they do
search out the records for the three counties that are in the south.
When an appointment
for a tour group is booked, it usually begins with a slide presentation
explaining the history of some of the history of Ulster. The presentation that
I was at included information on the Ulster Plantations. This was information
that I had never heard before. I do have an understanding of European history
but I do admit that I have never really taken the opportunity to study Irish
history. This would be an interesting topic to study.
After the
presentation, a break for refreshments will take place. During this time, you
will have a chance to look at some of their literature that will give you an
idea whether or not you will need to look at their holdings, browse through
their bookstore, and just chat, asking questions about their organization.
Some of the members of
our group were able to have some time to discuss their brick walls and how to
solve them with members of the Foundation. At this time, the only thing that I
could do any research on was the origins of the surnames that I am researching.
I found that three out of my major four Irish surnames that I am researching
have roots in England.
We spent about three
to four hours at their facilities and, I believe that each one of us walked out
of there with a bit more information than before we went in.
The Foundation has a
website at:
They have a number of
categories that you can look at, and under each category there are a number of
pages that have different topics. Most of these pages you can see without being
a member, but if you want to look at any of their databases, you need to be a
member. Membership costs in the neighbourhood of £38 a year, £99 for five
years, or £230 for a lifetime membership. They also have a Family Research
Starter Kit for £47.99 which includes a year’s membership, 24 credits,
Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors, and more. There is also a pay-as-you-go
option but it won’t get you into their databases.
If you are planning a
trip to Ireland and you have research to do in Northern Ireland, you might be
best to take out a membership and have a good look at their databases. I have
looked at the list of databases and have seen that there is at least one of
them that I would like to look at. By looking at their databases, you should be
able to find something to help you along your way.
Currently, I am not a
member of the Guild but I am not ruling out the possibility that, in the
future, I may find that their holdings may help my search.
The Foundation does
send some of their members on tour in North America, and, (now this is
according to me), Europe or other places where Irish ancestors migrated to when
they had to leave the Emerald Isle. Part of the reason why the Foundation does
this is to make people aware that they exist and that they do have these
holdings. Another reason why this is done is for fundraising. This organization
does not receive any money from government sources and depends on sales,
research fees, memberships, and donations.
