Savannah Wilburn
Celtic Connections Program
Yesterday the group all traveled to Belfast (all on the same flight for those interested). We got to our hotel, unwound and unpacked, and then went to dinner together at Robinson's. It was delicious and I think we would all recommend it to anyone who stops in the area! Afterwards, part of the group went to karaoke and then we called it a night.
Today, however, was a day full of learning. We went to the Ulster American Folk Park which is similar to the Museum of Appalachia back home. The park focuses on Irish emigration to the sates and features many historical buildings either built on site or brought over and rebuilt. There was even a house from Sumner County, Tennessee that was brought over brick by brick. There was even a bit of a love story attached to this home. The story is about a man who came to the New World in order to make more money. He had to leave his wife in Ireland, but he assured her he would come back for her. He eventually established ground in Tennessee and returned to Ireland for his wife and their son. The family then built the house I just mentioned. The group was also given a chance to dress up in clothing from that time period, including Dr. Threadgill. I wish I could post a picture because it was a sight to see! We then wondered through and educated ourselves on (most of) our ancestors's journeys over to the New World.
After the museum, we were all exhausted and decided to lay low in the hotel. We're off to learn even more tomorrow morning!
Celtic Connections Program
Yesterday the group all traveled to Belfast (all on the same flight for those interested). We got to our hotel, unwound and unpacked, and then went to dinner together at Robinson's. It was delicious and I think we would all recommend it to anyone who stops in the area! Afterwards, part of the group went to karaoke and then we called it a night.
Today, however, was a day full of learning. We went to the Ulster American Folk Park which is similar to the Museum of Appalachia back home. The park focuses on Irish emigration to the sates and features many historical buildings either built on site or brought over and rebuilt. There was even a house from Sumner County, Tennessee that was brought over brick by brick. There was even a bit of a love story attached to this home. The story is about a man who came to the New World in order to make more money. He had to leave his wife in Ireland, but he assured her he would come back for her. He eventually established ground in Tennessee and returned to Ireland for his wife and their son. The family then built the house I just mentioned. The group was also given a chance to dress up in clothing from that time period, including Dr. Threadgill. I wish I could post a picture because it was a sight to see! We then wondered through and educated ourselves on (most of) our ancestors's journeys over to the New World.
After the museum, we were all exhausted and decided to lay low in the hotel. We're off to learn even more tomorrow morning!