About
There can be few families living on the island of Ireland today, who do not have distant relatives living overseas. At the last census over 30 million US citizens claimed to be of Irish descent. On European Heritage Day we will focus on our “Emigrant Connections” and look at some of those who left Donaghmore and the surrounding area in County Tyrone. We will look at the routes they travelled, the places they settled and the jobs they did.
James Dilworth founded the Dilworth school in Auckland New Zealand and the Daly sisters from Castlecaulfield were famous in the world of fashion and journalism in the United States. James Shields from Altmore and Andrew McReynolds from Dungannon both became Union Generals in the American Civil War. Most however had a more mundane existence as they toiled in industries like steel production in north east England and the bleachworks of Rhode Island, or laboured as they built canals, roads and railways. Others became domestic servants, farmers, cowboys, gold prospectors, merchants, lawyers and politicians. Some like the young girls from the Dungannon workhouse travelled under the Earl Grey Scheme to settle in Australia, where there was a need for domestic labour and single young women. Emigrants brought with them their treasured memories of home and rarely forgot their roots in Ireland. There are at least two settlements named Dungannon in Canada, and three in the United States.
In an age without social media or telephone, letters formed an important part of the life of those who left and of those who stayed behind, particularly if they arrived back home with a few dollars tucked inside. Copies of some of those local letters will be on display over the two days as well as related maps, photographs and books.
Maybe you too have you have some old letters of photographs of your emigrant relatives that would be of interest. Why not come along and share with us these stories of your emigrant relatives, whether they are more recent or in the far distant past.
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| EHOD | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
