In 1967, we packed boxes, steamer trunks and crates with all our worldly possessions, stepped onto a ship, and immigrated to Canada. With us, came the ancient seanchaidh (shen-ah-hee) tradition of the Highland Scots. The very long history of the Celtic people was largely kept orally and told around the fireside by the natural story tellers in the community, the seanchaidh. My father always told the old stories.

I hope to keep that practice alive by sharing interesting stories of our past to those who would like to listen.
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I am passionate about the places where I have lived. My early home in the misty Scottish Highlands, the isolated farms on the flats of the Holland Marsh and the growing City of Barrie on sparkling Kempenfelt Bay all fascinate me. The quietest of places will surprise you with the most truly amazing stories.

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Today, I am the volunteer Director of History and Research at barriearchive.ca and columnist. barrietoday.com/columns/remember-this/ I have been working on my own family tree for over 20 years and I enjoy helping others explore their fascinating ancestry.

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Read. Walk. Listen. 

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 Mary

Winner of the 2019 Barrie Heritage Award

They were farmers, factory workers, lords and ladies, domestic servants and state governors. They fled from wars, religious persecution and sometimes the law. Stories of your ancestors are waiting to be told. Some of it you already know, some of it you will be surprised to know! 

Custom genealogical projects can take all sorts of forms. My aim is to give you an understanding of the people behind the names and dates, and the places where they lived, as well as the circumstances of the times.