Published by Communications and Public Affairs 519 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

News Release

April 10, 2006

U of G to Host Scottish History Conference

Using DNA to trace ancestry is one of the topics of the University of Guelph’s Scottish studies spring colloquium and family history day, to be held April 22 at the University of Toronto’s Knox College at 59 St. George St. in Toronto. Members of the public, the media and the academic community are welcome to attend.

Experts on ancestral tourism and Scottish studies will share their thoughts on the theme “Homecoming” at the colloquium, which was launched more than 30 years ago.

“'Homecoming' will play a major role in Scottish gatherings in 2007, with high-profile events planned in the Scottish Orkney Islands and in Nova Scotia,” said Graeme Morton, U of G's Scottish Studies Foundation Chair. “We thought it would be a great idea to get in there first and find out just what 'home' means to Canadian Scots.”

The conference talks will begin at 1 p.m. following a light lunch. Alan McKenzie, regional supervisor for the International Society of Genetic Genealogists and former president of the Scottish Studies Foundation, will explain the latest advances in DNA evidence and how it is now being used to trace ancestry.

Ontario Genealogical Society member Jane MacNamara will trace the role of St. Andrew's societies in Ontario, showing how Scots re-created their community in a new land.

From U of G’s Scottish Studies program, Cathryn Spence will speak on “Homecoming in Scotland and Canada” and Susan Murray will discuss the “Sisterland” convent of medieval Aberdour in Fife.

Cost of the conference is $25 general, $20 for members of the Scottish Studies Foundation. Lunch and refreshments are included. For more information or to register, call (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53209, or send e-mail to scottish@uoguelph.ca. For more details about the colloquium, visit the Scottish studies website.