The Ballymoney Borough Council Cultural Services Unit is currently researching the possibility of hosting a genealogy festival during the summer of 2009.The idea would be to help people across the world that are researching their Ballymoney roots and give them an opportunity to meet and share their knowledge and experience.
The "Family History Festival" would be held in Ballymoney Town Hall, which also includes Ballymoney Museum. By the summer of 2009, the museum will have undergone a major re-fit and incorporate a resource area for genealogy researchers.
The format of the Festival would be a series of events that would "educate, entertain and enlighten" the amateur family historian. Visitors would have the opportunity to attend a series of focused activities, for example:
- Talks on the history of Ballymoney and famous people born in the area;
- 'Research workshops' with experienced genealogists available to give advice;
- Bus tours of the region, including graveyards and churches;
- Case studies of prominent Ballymoney families.
Anyone hoping to attend the event would also be given advice and assistance on booking accommodation in the area and public transport.
We want your ideas!
Planning is in its early stages and the Cultural Services Unit are appealing for your suggestions for the Family History Festival. Is this an event that you would be interested in participating in, or contributing to? What would you like to see included in the programme?The Family History Festival would require funding and it would have to be demonstrated that there was support for the venture - so please, give us your views. Please leave your comments and ideas for workshops, trips, guest speakers or anything else that would appeal to you.
Keith Beattie
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