Causeway Coast and Glens Family History Society

1718 Migration – Townlands

Blue Plaque on Aghadowey Presbyterian Church

Our local area was the centre of the first major migration from Ireland of an organised group of people planning to settle together in the New World. This group was led by Rev James McGregor of Aghadowey and was composed primarily of Presbyterian families seeking to escape the strictures of the penal laws at home.

To facilitate the descendants of migrants seeking to find their family origins, the Branch has compiled this database from several sources linking surnames to locations in the Bann Valley, particularly townlands – the basic unit of land division critical to genealogical research. This database (which is available to members of CausewayFHS) can searched by name or address (Townland/Parish/Manor) and the source quoted will allow further research to be carried out.

Researchers are encouraged to submit their own relevant materials for inclusion in the database. All submitted materials will be identified as such in search results and require verification by the Branch before addition to the database.

Microfilms of Church Records

We are transcribing the pre 1900 Church Records held on microfilm in Coleraine Library. This will be an ongoing project over many years. We have received permission from RCB, Dublin to transcribe Church of Ireland Records. Another ongoing project is the gaining permissions and transcribing of Presbyterian Church records. You will see that we have been given permission to include additional data that was not microfilmed. Roman Catholic records are not included as these are available free on the National Library of Ireland site and the quality of the films is superior.

Graveyards

We have also surveyed many local graveyards and they are being added to the site as they become available.

Derry and Antrim Yearbook

The photographs from the Derry & Antrim Year Books, first published in 1899 by the Northern Constitution, have been indexed. In many cases photographs of the original entry, of headstones and the Derry & Antrim Year Book photos can be obtained by requesting them through the contacts page. Please quote your membership number and all the details of the specific entry you require.

Religious census of Magherafelt of 1766

We have provided records from the religious census of Magherafelt of 1766 in our Other Records and hope they will be of value. We hope to extend this area in the future.

Other Projects

North of Ireland Family History Society – NIFHS

Our parent organisation NIFHS runs several DNA projects and provides genealogical training courses.

We are also encourage anyone with North of Ireland roots to come together on Wikitree and on FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) to grow The Great North of Ireland Family Tree. Details on how to participate are available from: The Great North of Ireland Family Tree – North of Ireland Family History Society