All members are invited to submit items for consideration.
They can be submitted in a Word document to blog@ifhf.org
Celtic Connections Conference 10-11 August 2018
Celtic Connections Conference
10-11 August 2018
Boston Newton Marriott, Auburndale MA
Expert speakers from Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada and the US will present lectures on Irish, Scots-Irish, Scottish and Welsh genealogy, DNA and culture.
You will learn exciting new ways to discover and interpret your family history and ancestral roots.
www.celtic-connections.org
U.K. Celebrities Search For Their Irish Ancestors
Watch U.K. celebrities search for their Irish ancestors
on YouTube – Who do you think you are U.K. edition.
Links below. Hurry, sometimes the links disappear! They are delicious stories!
Chris Moyles
https://youtu.be/EGisUVYpFfc
Dervla Kirwan
https://youtu.be/k6KmaA9Xzfo
Mark Gatiss
https://youtu.be/l_JbBEunVEk
Ardal O’Hanlon
https://youtu.be/ziI1PuCfx20
Graham Norton
https://youtu.be/CELOqiTIlWo
Jeremy Irons
https://youtu.be/kQKiTT_hcC0
Julie Walters
https://youtu.be/LWpPks9NrYw
Amanda Redman
https://youtu.be/vREqSU-IP7Q
John Hurt
https://youtu.be/5iZb640ayGI
David Tennant
https://youtu.be/NUqBhb-w1To
Support Access to NYC Vital Records
In 2017 NYC Dept. of Heath and Mental Hygiene proposed a new rule that would affect when birth and death records are made available to the public. Rule goes into effect April 17, 2018 restricting access to birth records until 125 years after a birth and to death records 75 years after a death.
If this rule had been in effect when I applied for and received my Grandfather’s 1949 death certificate after 50 years, access could have been denied until 2024. Already reports have been made of people who have legal rights to records being denied due to inconsistent interpretations of rules by DOH employees.
Although the greater genealogical community fought hard against it, the rule recently passes. Thanks to overwhelming opposition to the plan, the NYDHMH proposed a new amendment allowing more relatives access to these records. However, its expansion only applies to a strict biological lineage that does not consider realities of family life today for adoptees or blended families.
We can let NYC know that the new amendment is an improvement, but greater access is desirable.
When: Monday, April 23 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Where: New York Dept. of Health and Public Hygiend
Gotham Center
42-09 28th Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3-32,
Long Island City, NY 11101
For information about the issues involved, please see D. Joshua Taylor, President at the NYG&B at https://www.facebook.com/nyfamilyhistory/videos/1699893130032829/UzpfSTQ5ODIwMDI0MzU4MzIxMDoxNjM0NTE4MjA2NjE4MDY5/
Irish-American Heritage Month
Proclamations
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims March 2018 as Irish-American Heritage Month
During the month of St. Patrick’s Day, we celebrate Irish‑American Heritage Month and the tremendous role Irish immigrants and their descendants have played in the development of our great Nation. Irish-American Heritage Month is a great opportunity to celebrate the nearly 33 million Americans with Irish ancestry and their tremendous contributions to the betterment of our country. This month, and every month, we appreciate their efforts in helping usher in a new era of American prosperity.
Irish Americans have distinguished themselves in every sector of American life. Many have been among the key architects of our country’s greatness. Nine of the men who signed our Declaration of Independence were of Irish origin. Presidents Andrew Jackson, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and many others have traced their roots to the Emerald Isle. Businessman Henry Ford, founder of one of America’s most iconic companies, was the son of an Irish immigrant.
For centuries, the tenacious Irish spirit, paired with American self-reliance, has helped Irish immigrants and their descendants realize incredible dreams. With religious devotion, strength rooted in the love of family, and confidence in the promise of America, Irish Americans have engaged in the American experience in robust and meaningful ways. Their neighborhoods, schools, churches, and workplaces have affirmed the importance of faith, industry, and learning. It is, therefore, no wonder that American art, business, and public life are marked by Irish names and symbols.
This month, Americans across the country will don the traditional green garb as we celebrate the patron saint of Ireland in an annual tribute to our shared and cherished heritage with that great country. As we spend this month honoring Irish Americans, we also pledge to further strengthen our relationship with the Emerald Isle itself, as we look forward to a bright future of greater friendship, cooperation, and commerce for centuries to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2018 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Irish Americans to our Nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
DONALD J. TRUMP
Archdiocese of New York Baptism and Marriage Records
The Archdiocese of New York in conjunction with Findmypast has published indexes containing over eight million records dating from 1785 to 1915. These records cover the boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island in New York City. Westchester, Ulster, Sullivan, Rockland Putnam, Orange and Dutchess counties are also included.
New York Roman Catholic Parish Baptisms
https://search.findmypast.ie/search-world-Records/new-york-roman-catholic-parish-baptisms
New York Roman Catholic Marriages
https://search.findmypast.ie/search-world-records/new-york-roman-catholic-parish-marriages
Find My Past info on Catholic Heritage Archive https://www.findmypast.com/catholicrecords
Offensive Irish Stereotype Drinking Shirts
From: Kevin Westley <IrishDJKevin@msn.com>
Unfortunately, the offensive Irish drinking stereotype shirts were back at Walmart and Amazon this year. Kevin Westley posted on Facebook and by email to IFHF:
In 2016, 2017 local Walmart stores did not sell any offensive stereotypical drinking T shirts for St. Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately, the Walmart website was selling offensive drinking Irish stereotype shirts for 2018 . Walmart was contacted and the response was very positive:
Irish commend Walmart for ditching offensive St. Patrick’s Day t-shirts Irish Central
All stereotypes are bad, regardless what group they demean. Think of the thousands of job or housing opportunities have been lost because of them.
If you come across other retailers are offering offensive merchandise:
Ask to speak to the owner, manager or customer service representative.
- Explain that St. Patrick’s Day is a holy day in Ireland. Ask if they would sell offensive stereotypical T shirts for Dr. King Day, Puerto Rican Day, St. Joseph’s Day, etc.
- Let them know that you find the merchandise offensive and politely ask them to remove them.
- If they refuse, ask to see the return policy.
- Consider purchasing some and pay for it via charge card.
- Return the merchandise on March 18 for a full refund.
- Boycott that store for the month of March in honor of St. Patrick.
For further information contact:
Kevin Westley T.M.R.F.
Anti-Defamation Chairman
Commodore John Barry, Div. 11
Ancient Order of Hibernians
917 699-4768
Irish of Cobble Hill Walking Tour Rescheduled to June 3rd
Irish of Cobble Hill Walking Tour
The Tour On Sunday, June 3, the Forum will sponsor “The Irish of Cobble Hill,” a two-hour walking tour in Brooklyn, led by Terri Cook.
Irish immigrants trickled into Brooklyn in the 1700s but would pour into the area in the 1840s. Cobble Hill quickly grew into a residential suburb after ferry service from Manhattan was began in 1836. Visit St. Paul’s RC Church, founded that same year. Hear the story of Cornelius Heaney, an immigrant from Co. Offaly, who founded the Brooklyn Benevolent Society and donated land for the new church.
Cobble Hill’s two model tenements from the 1870s, as well as the Working Men’s Cottages, were built by Alfred T. White, who was moved by the deplorable housing that the Irish shared with other immigrant groups. See the landmark buildings that became known as a model for affordable housing as well as the impetus for inaugurating the housing reform movement.
The neighborhood also has a pocket park and a multitude of early churches, some cleverly converted into housing. See why Brooklyn was called the Borough of Churches and how many sacred havens preserved Irish history through its benevolent societies.
The Guide Terri Cook has guided Forum members on Irish-themed walks through the Lower East Side and Greenwich Village. She is the author of Sacred Havens: A Guide to Manhattan’s Spiritual Places and Sacred Havens of Brooklyn: Spiritual Places and Peaceful Grounds.
When Sunday, June 3, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Cost and Reservations The cost is $20 per person; guests are welcome, but we ask that members bring no more than two guests. Reservations are on a first-paid, first-served basis. Please send a check, along with name and contact information (print email address clearly), to Cobble Hill Walking Tour, Irish Family History Forum, Box 67, Plainview, NY 11803. You may also pay our treasurer by check at one of our Saturday meetings.
Where Meet Forum rep at 1:15 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church at 190 Court St. (and Congress).
How to Get There
- If you are driving: You can park at Edison ParkFast, 92 Livingston St.; Icon Parking, 111 Livingston St.; and other local garages.
- From Penn Station: Take the downtown A train to Jay St. Metro Tech. Cross over the platform to the F line and go one stop to Bergen St. (exit at the corner of Smith St.). Walk up Bergen St. to Court St. St. Paul’s. The church is within view.
- From LIRR Flatbush Ave. station: Get off at the Flatbush Ave. stop (which is the Atlantic Ave./Barclay Ave. subway system). Take the uptown Bronx train (4 or 5) to Borough Hall Station. Walk 8 minutes south on Court St. to 190 Court St.
- From Manhattan: Take the F train to Bergen St. (exit at corner of Smith). Walk up Bergen St. to Court St. Paul’s Church is within view.
- Questions? Any questions, please email programs@ifhf.org.
Free Online Courses
Future Learn presents online courses from the top universities in Europe. They are free unless you choose an upgrade which entitles you to unlimited access to the course and a Certificate of Achievement. For general information go to https://www.futurelearn.com/courses
Check out these courses which might be of particular interest to those of us who are interested in Irish genealogy:
Irish 101: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture
Dublin City University, Dublin
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/irish-language
Irish Lives in War and Revolution: Exploring Ireland’s History 1912-1923
Trinity College Dublin
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/irish-historyIrish Family History Forum
Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/genealogy
Provided by Clare Curtin
Schumer Wants DNA Test Companies Investigated
Nov. 26 (UPI) — Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called on the Federal Trade Commission Sunday to investigate companies that provide ancestry DNA results due to potential privacy concerns. “What many consumers don’t realize is that their sensitive information can end up in the hands of unknown third-party companies,” Schumer said,
A recent Gizmodo report analyzed the terms and conditions of several DNA test companies and found that these companies can claim ownership of one’s DNA, that it is unclear who has access to your DNA and that information can get leaked.
There is sure to be more on this issue in the coming days.
New Developments: Golden State Killer identified through genealogy sites:
Dick Eastman https://blog.eogn.com/2018/04/26/dna-that-cracked-the-golden-state-killer-case-came-from-genealogy-websites/
Fox News http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/04/26/golden-state-killer-caught-using-relatives-dna-from-genealogy-websites-prosecutors-say.html
NBC News Golden State Killer suspect’s capture sparks DNA site privacy fears
Newly formed DNA Genealogy Group of Long Island
Join us, beginner and experienced, to unravel the complexities of genetic DNA testing. The DNA Genealogy Group of Long Island is designed to be a hands-on group experience. Members share and solve problems together in small discussion groups based on level of experience. Individual help is available with DNA results.
Website: dggli.org
MEETING SCHEDULE:
Meetings are open to the public. There is no charge for non-members; all are welcome.
Meetings are held: 10:00 to 12:00 noon on the first Saturday of the month in alternate Nassau & Suffolk locations.
BETHPAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY:
Meetings are held in: Aug 5, Oct 7 and Dec 2.
Address: 47 Powell Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714
Website: bethpagelibrary.info
PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD LIBRARY:
Meetings are held in: Sep 2 and Nov 4.
Address: 54-60 East Main Street, Patchogue, NY, 11772
Website: pmlib.org