Dirigo Mettle, the Scots-Irish in Maine

Instructor: Rebecca Graham

Saturdays • 9/28-11/9 • 9:30-11:30 AM • 8 classes

Class size 5 to 20 students

11 seats remaining

Location: Randall 248

Note: Start date moved to 9/28

This course will explore the origins of the Scots-Irish by telling the story of the inter-relationship among Scotland and Ulster (the northern province of Ireland where the Scots-Irish are generally referred to as the Ulster-Scots), and Ulster and America. These connections are reflected in many different ways, such as family history, religion and linguistics, to name a few. Key figures in the Scots-Irish story in Ulster and Maine will be highlighted, including the scientists, explorers, authors, rebels, statesmen, educators, and philanthropists.
We will explore the themes of migration from present day Northern Ireland to Maine, and students will be introduced to the socio-economic, environmental, and religious reasons involved in multiple migrations. We will learn also of the rich history of the Northern Ireland legacy evident in many areas of Maine Politics, Governance, legal systems and community. There will be an opportunity to connect with students studying similar themes in Northern Ireland explained during the first class.classroom
For a small taste of what this class offers, watch the video below.

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Rebecca is the President of the Maine Ulster Scots Project, joining John Mann in his efforts in 2008 through her archaeological research project on the 1718 Cork Settlement with Barry H. Rodrigue. A graduate of The University of Southern Maine, Ulster University’s Transitional Justice Institute, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation, Venice Italy, Rebecca works in the area of democratic governance and electoral evaluation internationally, and legislative advocacy in Maine. Her most recent work, 1718-2018; Reflections on 300 years of Scots Irish in Maine, focuses on the legacy, impact, and family stories of this early migration from north of the island of Ireland.