When Irish people living in the Connemara region of their Western coast were offered assistance in 1880 to escape the ravages of famine and disease, they knew little about their new destination. They hoped to find a new homeland in America. Frail and hungry, after 3,700 miles of travel, their destination in rural Western Minnesota was found to be a prairie that scarcely resembled the Irish coast. As they settled in and began earning a living, they soon encountered one of the worst Minnesota win-ters ever recorded.

The Connemaras’ story, similar to that of many other famine immigrants, is one of despair, struggle, yet ultimately perseverance. This fascinating account, and Jane's journey uncovering the story, will suggest to you new approaches for researching your Irish ancestors, no matter their County of origin.

Jane Kennedy, MA, lives in St. Paul and is a retired communications professional. She obtained Irish citizenship (dual with US) in 2016 following two visits to her grandfather's homeland in the Belmullet Peninsula, County Mayo in Ireland. Jane is a “proud Tuke descendant” (further explanation in her presentation).

The webinar will be recorded, so any registrant who is not able to attend the live broadcast will have access to the recording and handout in a subsequent email..