Dr Brian Lambkin (Director, Mellon Centre for Migration Studies)

Brian graduated from Cambridge University in 1975 and then trained as a teacher at Queen’s University, Belfast. He taught at Rathmore Grammar School, Belfast until 1981 when he joined Lagan College as a founder teacher with responsibility for History and Religious Education. He became Vice-Principal in 1987 and Principal in 1993. In 1998 he became the first director of the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies at the Ulster-American Folk Park, Omagh. He and his colleague Dr Patrick Fitzgerald (below) are the authors of Migration in Irish History, 1607-2007 (2008).

Dr Patrick Fitzgerald (Lecturer and Development Officer, Mellon Centre for Migration Studies)

Paddy was educated at Queen’s University Belfast. A former curator at the Ulster-American Folk Park he has been teaching a QUB Masters in Irish Migration Studies since 1996. Patrick Fitzgerald has an overarching interest in all aspects of human migration relating to Ireland from 1600 to the present. Particular interests include Poverty and subsistence migration, Irish migration to Britain (1600-1800), British migration to Ireland (1600-1900), visual representations of historic Irish migration and Ulster historiography. He and his colleague Dr Brian Lambkin (above) are the authors of Migration in Irish History, 1607-2007 (2008).

Dr William Roulston (Research Director, Ulster Historical Foundation)

William is a native of Bready, County Tyrone and graduated in History from the University of Ulster in 1994. He carried out the research for his PhD in the School of Archaeology and Palaeoecology at Queen’s University, Belfast, and was awarded his doctorate in 2003. He joined the staff of the Ulster Historical Foundation in 1997 as a researcher. In 2006 he was appointed Research Director in succession to Dr Brian Trainor. He is the author of a number of books, including Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors (2005), Restoration Strabane, 1660-1714 (2007) and (co-edited with Eileen Murphy) Fermanagh: History and Society (2004).

Gillian Hunt (Research Assistant, Ulster Historical Foundation)

Gillian is research assistant with the Ulster Historical Foundation. She was previously The Woodland Trust’s research officer, working on their ancient woodland inventory project. In addition she has worked with the Ulster Historical Foundation as a genealogical researcher since 2001. She regularly runs classes and gives talks on family history as well as visiting the USA to promote family history at events such as the Stone Mountain Highland Games in Georgia in 2008 and the ‘Experience Northern Ireland’ exhibition in New York in 2010.

Dr Brian Trainor (retired Research Director, Ulster Historical Foundation)

Brian retired as Research Director of the Ulster Historical Foundation in 2006, but remains actively involved with Ulster Historical Foundation. He was educated at Queen’s University, Belfast, and from there went to the Institute of Historical Research in London. He returned to Belfast where he lectured for several years at Queen’s before becoming in 1956 an archivist in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. He was Director of the Public Record Office from 1970 to 1987 when he became Director and then Research Director of the Ulster Historical Foundation. He holds an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the National University of Ireland.

Brian Mitchell (Genealogist, Derry City Council)

Brian has been involved in local, family and emigration research in the wider Derry area since 1982. He is author of numerous Irish genealogy reference books such as A New Genealogical Atlas of Ireland, A Guide to Irish Parish Registers and Pocket Guide to Irish Genealogy. He has also published local histories and surname studies on the north-west of Ireland. He has spoken widely on Irish history and genealogy.

Vincent Brogan

Vincent was born and still lives in Omagh, the County town of Tyrone. He will be taking us on a walking tour of Omagh which will give an insight into the town’s history and development. The mighty O’Neill’s had a castle here and it was the site of a Franciscan abbey. As the town grew in importance, it became a seat of government and justice with an impressive Courthouse dominating the main street. The influences which led to the growth of the town will be explained whilst local stories and folklore will enliven your visit to the historic town of Omagh. Vincent is also available to carry out genealogical research prior to visits to Ireland and to accompany you as a guide to places of personal interest (vincent@tyroneroots.com).

Rose Mary Murphy

Rose Mary lives in Glashygolgan near Plumbridge and is an active member of the Glenelly Historical Society (www.glenellyhistorical.org.uk). She  will be taking us on a tour of the historic and beautiful Glenelly Valley, showing us what life was like there upwards of a century ago and the many changes that have taken place.