The Seventeenth Ulster-American Heritage Symposium which continues until tomorrow at the Ulster-American Folk Park in Omagh is promoting awareness of the historical connections between Ulster and North America, including what is commonly called the Scotch-Irish or Ulster Scots heritage.
Speaking at the event Minister Campbell said: “The Ulster- American Folk Park and the Centre for Migration Studies play a pivotal role in delivering learning programmes about our identity and the influence that Ulster people have had in shaping the economy and society of North America.
“The Folk Park is encouraging the public to learn more about family history and how our ancestors, who left our shores back in the seventeenth century, helped shape present day North America.”
The theme of this year’s Symposium is Changing Perspectives, 1607 -2007 and has 58 speakers attending from the United States and Canada.
The Minister concluded: “We are extremely fortunate to have the Centre for Migration Studies and its wealth of information. It helps us understand who we are and where we come from. It is a fascinating source of information for Ulster-Americans who are interested in tracking their family origins.”
Notes to Editors:
- Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
