How We Got Here Genealogy

Category Atlantic Canada

Are You Making These 5 Common DNA Testing Mistakes? (And Missing Your Atlantic Canada Connections)

DNA testing has revolutionised genealogy research, particularly for those of us tracing Atlantic Canada roots. Whether you're hunting down Acadian ancestors, following Maritime migration patterns, or trying to connect with distant Nova Scotia cousins, DNA can be your secret weapon. But here's the thing: I see the same costly mistakes over and over again, and they're keeping people from discovering their true Atlantic Canada connections.

After years of helping families piece together their Maritime heritage, I've noticed that the difference between DNA success and DNA frustration often comes down to avoiding these five critical errors. Let's dive in and make sure you're not sabotaging your own family history journey.

Mistake #1: Contaminating Your DNA Sample (And Why This Matters More in Atlantic Canada Research)

Picture this: you've finally decided to take that DNA test to confirm your suspected Acadian lineage. You're excited, maybe a bit nervous, and you grab your morning coffee whilst reading the instructions. Big mistake.

Sample contamination is the most preventable yet common error in DNA testing. When you consume food, beverages, smoke, or chew gum within 30 minutes of collecting your sample, you're introducing foreign genetic material that can skew your results. This might seem minor, but for Atlantic Canada research, where precise ethnic percentages can distinguish between French Acadian, Scottish Highland, or Irish heritage, contamination can muddy the waters significantly.

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The Atlantic Canada Connection: Maritime families often have complex mixed heritage: Acadian French, Mi'kmaq First Nations, Scottish, Irish, and English. Contaminated samples can blur these distinct genetic signatures, making it harder to identify which cultural communities your ancestors belonged to.

The Fix: Fast for at least 30 minutes before collection. No exceptions. Rinse your mouth with water, wait, then collect your sample exactly as instructed. If you're testing multiple family members (brilliant strategy, by the way), handle one kit at a time in separate areas to prevent cross-contamination.

Mistake #2: Playing Fast and Loose with Sample Handling

Here's where things get properly frustrating. You've followed the contamination rules perfectly, but then you accidentally mix up sample tubes between family members. This happens more often than you'd think, especially when enthusiastic families decide to test everyone at Christmas dinner.

Data entry errors and sample mislabelling represent the most frequent mistakes during DNA collection. I've seen cases where a father's DNA results came back under his daughter's name, completely confusing the family tree and leading to months of unnecessary confusion.

The Atlantic Canada Connection: Maritime families are often close-knit, with multiple generations living nearby. This makes group testing sessions tempting, but also increases the risk of mix-ups. When you're trying to distinguish between branches of large Acadian families or trace which MacLeod cousin connects to which Highland settlement, accuracy becomes absolutely crucial.

The Fix: Open one kit at a time. Complete the entire process: registration, collection, sealing, posting: before touching the next kit. Use different rooms if possible. Create a simple checklist: "Name matches tube, tube matches envelope, envelope matches shipping label."

Mistake #3: Going Solo When You Should Be Building a Team

This is where I see people really limit their potential discoveries. They test themselves and wait for magic to happen. But DNA genealogy isn't a solo sport: it's a team effort.

Not testing known relatives or failing to upload their existing DNA results is like trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle with only half the pieces. Every additional family member you include dramatically improves your ability to identify shared ancestors and understand your Atlantic Canada connections.

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The Atlantic Canada Connection: Maritime communities were often small and interconnected. Your third cousin in Yarmouth might hold the key to identifying your Lunenburg German ancestors, whilst your aunt's DNA could reveal the missing link to your Cape Breton Scottish roots. These connections often span the entire Atlantic region.

The Fix: Start a family DNA project. Approach parents, aunts, uncles, and willing cousins about testing. If they've already tested elsewhere, many platforms accept uploads from other companies. Even one additional known relative can transform your results from confusing to conclusive.

Mistake #4: Putting All Your Eggs in One Basket

Different DNA testing companies maintain entirely different databases. Your Prince Edward Island cousins might only show up on AncestryDNA, whilst your Newfoundland connections could be concentrated on 23andMe or MyHeritage. Relying on a single platform is like fishing in only one section of the harbour when the best catches are spread across multiple areas.

The Atlantic Canada Connection: Atlantic Canada has a unique demographic history. Early Acadian settlers, Scottish Highland clearances, Irish famine refugees, and Maritime migration to New England created scattered family networks. These diverse communities may have gravitated toward different DNA testing platforms, meaning your matches could be fragmented across multiple databases.

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The Fix: Upload your raw DNA results to multiple genealogy platforms. MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, and GEDmatch all accept uploads from major testing companies, often for free or a small fee. This dramatically expands your potential match pool without requiring additional testing.

Mistake #5: Flying Blind with Analysis Tools

You've got your results back, you're looking at hundreds of DNA matches, and you're completely overwhelmed. You start clicking through chromosome browsers without understanding what you're looking for, or you assume that larger shared DNA segments automatically mean closer relationships.

Misusing analysis tools and misinterpreting results is perhaps the most frustrating mistake because you have all the data you need: you're just not using it effectively. This is like having a detailed map but not knowing how to read the compass.

The Atlantic Canada Connection: Atlantic Canada genealogy often involves complex relationship networks. Endogamous communities (where people married within small geographic or cultural groups) can make DNA analysis particularly challenging. Acadian families, isolated island communities, and tight-knit Scottish settlements all created genetic patterns that require careful interpretation.

The Fix: Take time to learn the basics of DNA analysis. Understand what centiMorgans mean, learn to use chromosome browsers effectively, and don't rely solely on automated ethnicity estimates. Consider taking an online DNA course or joining Atlantic Canada genealogy Facebook groups where experienced researchers share knowledge.

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Maximising Your Atlantic Canada DNA Success

Beyond avoiding these mistakes, here are some specific strategies for Atlantic Canada research:

Test the Eldest Generation First: Your grandmother's DNA contains genetic information that might be diluted or lost in younger generations. Atlantic Canada families often have excellent oral histories: combine DNA with family stories for maximum impact.

Understand Migration Patterns: Atlantic Canada families rarely stayed put. They moved from Acadia to Louisiana, from Nova Scotia to New England, from Newfoundland to Ontario. Your closest DNA matches might be thousands of kilometres away from your ancestors' original settlements.

Embrace the Complexity: Atlantic Canada heritage is beautifully complex. Don't be discouraged if your results show unexpected ethnicities or confusing family connections. This diversity is part of your story.

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The Laboratory Quality Factor

Not all DNA testing labs maintain identical standards. Ensure your chosen company uses accredited facilities with proper protocols and regularly calibrated equipment. Whilst DNA testing is 99.999% accurate at quality labs, substandard facilities can produce errors that completely derail your research.

For Atlantic Canada research specifically, choose companies with strong databases in North America and Europe, since these regions contain most Maritime DNA matches.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Remember, uncovering your Atlantic Canada family history is a journey, not a sprint. These DNA mistakes are completely avoidable with proper planning and realistic expectations. Every corrected error brings you closer to understanding your Maritime heritage and connecting with cousins you never knew existed.

The Atlantic Canada story is one of resilience, migration, and interconnected communities spanning centuries. Your DNA holds pieces of this remarkable narrative: don't let simple mistakes prevent you from discovering the full story.

Whether you're just beginning your DNA journey or looking to solve existing mysteries, avoiding these five common mistakes will dramatically improve your chances of success. Your Atlantic Canada ancestors are waiting to be found: make sure you're giving yourself the best possible chance to find them.

Ready to dive deeper into your Atlantic Canada DNA research? Every family story matters, and every connection brings us closer to understanding the rich tapestry of Maritime heritage that makes this region so special.

7 Mistakes You're Making with Scottish Surname Research (And How Atlantic Canadians Can Fix Them)

Top Scottish Surname Mistakes – and How to Fix Them

If you're researching Scottish ancestors who made their way to Atlantic Canada, you've probably hit more than a few roadblocks. Scottish surname research presents unique challenges that can leave even experienced genealogists scratching their heads. The good news? Most of these obstacles stem from common mistakes that are easily fixable once you know what to look for.

Whether your Scottish ancestors settled in Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Highlands, New Brunswick's Miramichi Valley, or Prince Edward Island's rolling farmlands, understanding these pitfalls will transform your research from frustrating to fascinating.

Mistake #1: Assuming Surnames Were Always Spelled Consistently

Here's a reality check: most people couldn't read or write until the end of the 19th century. When your great-great-grandfather told the immigration officer his name was "MacLeod," it might have been recorded as "McCloud," "MacCloud," or even "Loud" depending on the clerk's interpretation and regional accent.

In Scottish records, a surname like "Wright" could appear as "Rite," "Right," or "Royte" across different documents. This inconsistency becomes even more pronounced when you factor in the journey from Scotland to Atlantic Canada, where multiple officials recorded the same name at different points.

The Fix: Create a master list of every spelling variation you encounter. Use online tools to generate phonetic alternatives: if you're researching "MacDonald," also search for "McDonald," "McDonell," "Macdonnell," and even "Donald." When searching Nova Scotia's Highland settler records, I've seen the surname "MacKenzie" appear in over a dozen different spellings within the same parish register.

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Mistake #2: Ignoring Gaelic to English Anglicisation

This is where Scottish research gets really tricky. Many Highland and Island families anglicised their Gaelic surnames either before emigration or upon arrival in Atlantic Canada. MacIain became Johnson, Mac an tSaoir became MacIntyre, and Granndach became Grant.

The massive Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries sent thousands of Gaelic-speaking Scots to Atlantic Canada, particularly to areas like Antigonish County and Cape Breton Island, where Gaelic remained the primary language well into the 20th century.

The Fix: Research both the original Gaelic form and common English equivalents. Consult resources like "The Surnames of Scotland" by George Fraser Black, which provides extensive information on Gaelic origins. Remember that your "English" surname might actually be a completely different name in Gaelic. If your ancestor was named "Campbell" in Canadian records, their original Gaelic name might have been Mac Cailein.

Mistake #3: Not Accounting for Emigration-Related Name Changes

The journey from Scotland to Atlantic Canada wasn't a simple point-A-to-point-B affair. Your ancestor might have stopped in Glasgow, sailed to Halifax, then travelled to their final destination. At each stage, different officials recorded their name, often with varying degrees of accuracy.

Some families deliberately altered their surnames to sound more "English" or "Canadian" to avoid discrimination or simply to fit in better with their new communities.

The Fix: Trace your ancestor's journey backwards, step by step. Start with their earliest Canadian records and work your way back to Scotland. Check passenger lists, immigration records, and early settlement documents at each stage. Pay special attention to the spelling used in Scottish departure records versus Canadian arrival records: they're often different.

Mistake #4: Overlooking Transcription and Recording Errors

Even when your ancestor clearly stated their name, human error crept in. Scottish accents proved challenging for English-speaking clerks in Atlantic Canadian ports. The rolling "r" in "MacGregor" might have been recorded as "MacGrigor," or the soft "ch" sound in "MacLeod" could have been written as "MacLoed."

Later, when these handwritten records were indexed or digitised, additional errors occurred. A hurried clerk's "u" might be read as "n," turning "MacLauchlan" into "MacLachlan."

The Fix: Always examine original documents when possible rather than relying solely on transcribed indexes. Consider how Scottish pronunciation might have been misinterpreted: the name "Iain" (pronounced "Ian") might appear as "John" in some records. Look for patterns in the mistakes you find; certain combinations of letters were commonly confused by clerks.

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Mistake #5: Failing to Research Siblings and Extended Family

This might be the most valuable tip you'll read today. Researching only your direct ancestral line is like reading every third page of a book: you'll miss crucial plot points. Siblings often emigrated together or in sequence to Atlantic Canada, and their records frequently contain information that your direct ancestor's documents lack.

Your great-grandfather's death record might simply list "Scotland" as his birthplace, but his brother's obituary could specify "Inverness-shire" or even name the exact parish.

The Fix: Research each generation thoroughly, including all siblings and their spouses, before moving to the next generation. This strategy is particularly powerful for Scottish research because families often maintained strong connections across the Atlantic. One sibling's marriage record might list parents' names that you couldn't find anywhere else, or a sister's death certificate might provide the Scottish parish of origin that unlocks your entire research.

Mistake #6: Jumping to Conclusions About Family Connections

Finding a "James MacDonald" in Scottish records who seems to fit your timeline doesn't mean you've found your James MacDonald. With common Scottish surnames like Stewart, Campbell, MacLeod, and MacDonald, dozens of families might share the same name in the same region during the same period.

This problem is amplified in Atlantic Canada, where certain surnames cluster in specific areas. Cape Breton Island, for instance, has hundreds of MacLeod families, many with identical given names recurring across generations.

The Fix: Never assume a connection based on name and approximate dates alone. Build your case using multiple pieces of evidence: exact dates, specific locations, spouse names, children's names, and occupations. Scottish parish records often contain detailed information that can help distinguish between families. Wait until you have solid proof before adding anyone to your family tree.

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Mistake #7: Skipping Generations Due to Naming Patterns

Scottish families followed traditional naming patterns that can trip up modern researchers. The first son was typically named after the paternal grandfather, the second son after the maternal grandfather, the first daughter after the paternal grandmother, and so on.

This means you might find multiple Jameses, Johns, or Marys within the same family across different generations. Without careful attention to dates and relationships, it's easy to confuse a grandfather with his grandson or to accidentally skip a generation entirely.

The Fix: Create detailed charts showing all family members with dates, locations, and relationships clearly marked. When you find multiple people with the same name in your research, don't assume they're the same person: they're often two different generations. Pay special attention during the emigration period, as this is where generational confusion most commonly occurs.

Understanding traditional Scottish naming patterns can actually help your research. If you find a John MacLeod naming his first son "Donald," there's a good chance that John's father was named Donald MacLeod.

Your Path Forward

Scottish surname research doesn't have to be a maze of confusion and dead ends. By avoiding these seven common mistakes, you'll find yourself making steady progress on even the most challenging family lines. Remember, every Scottish family that made their way to Atlantic Canada has left traces in the records: you just need to know where and how to look.

The connection between Scotland and Atlantic Canada runs deep, from the Gaelic-speaking communities of Cape Breton to the Presbyterian settlements of Prince Edward Island. Your Scottish ancestors weren't just names in a record: they were real people who made brave decisions to cross an ocean in search of better opportunities.

Start by reviewing your current research through the lens of these seven mistakes. You might discover that a "dead end" was actually just a spelling variation you hadn't considered, or that the sibling you ignored holds the key to your next breakthrough.

Every Highland clearance survivor, every Lowland farmer seeking new opportunities, and every Scottish tradesman who helped build Atlantic Canada's communities has a story worth discovering. Don't let common research mistakes prevent you from uncovering yours.

Small text: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from purchases made through them, at no extra cost to you.
Small text: This blog post was written by Brian Nash, Chief Genealogist and Owner of How We Got Here Genealogy Services. For personalised help with your Scottish Atlantic Canadian research, visit us at howwegothere.ca.

Visual aid for finding **United Empire Loyalist ancestors**, a key topic in **Atlantic Canada** and Canadian genealogy research.
How to Find Your Loyalist Ancestors in Atlantic Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've ever wondered whether your family tree includes ancestors who fled north during the American Revolution, you're not alone. Atlantic Canada became home to thousands of United Empire Loyalists: American colonists who remained faithful to the British Crown during the turbulent 1770s and 1780s. These brave souls packed up their lives, often losing everything they'd built, and started fresh in what are now Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

Researching Loyalist ancestry can feel like detective work, but it's incredibly rewarding. These ancestors left behind a rich paper trail, and with the right approach, you can uncover fascinating stories of courage, sacrifice, and new beginnings. Whether you're just starting your genealogy journey or you've hit a brick wall with Atlantic Canadian roots, this guide will help you navigate the unique resources available for Loyalist research.

Step 1: Start With What You Know

Before diving into archives and databases, take stock of your existing family knowledge. Loyalist ancestry often reveals itself through family stories passed down through generations. Look for clues like:

  • Family tales about ancestors who "came from America" in the late 1700s
  • References to military service during the Revolutionary War
  • Stories about losing property or businesses and starting over
  • Mentions of government land grants or compensation
  • Family surnames that appear on Loyalist lists

Create a timeline of what you know about your ancestors between 1775 and 1785. Even small details: like a birthplace in New York or Massachusetts: can provide crucial starting points for your research.

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Step 2: Understanding the Key Records

Loyalist research requires familiarity with several unique record types that don't exist for other immigrant groups. These documents tell the story of displacement, military service, and resettlement:

Muster Rolls and Military Records
Many Loyalists served in provincial regiments alongside British forces. Muster rolls documented which soldiers were present at specific times and locations. These records often include ages, birthplaces, and family members: gold mines for genealogists.

Claims for Losses
Perhaps the most valuable Loyalist records are the claims submitted to the British government for property lost during the war. These detailed documents describe former homes, businesses, and possessions, painting vivid pictures of your ancestors' pre-war lives.

Land Grants and Petitions
The British government granted free land to Loyalists as compensation for their losses. These grants, along with associated petitions, provide settlement locations and sometimes family compositions.

Church Records
Many Loyalist communities quickly established churches. Baptismal, marriage, and burial records from these early congregations can fill gaps in official documentation.

Step 3: Major Archives and Repositories

Library and Archives Canada
The motherlode of Loyalist research sits in Ottawa. Their holdings include the original claims for losses, military records, and correspondence. Many of these records have been digitised and are searchable online. Start with their United Empire Loyalists research guide, which outlines available collections and search strategies.

Provincial Archives
Each Atlantic province maintains archives with region-specific Loyalist materials:

  • Nova Scotia Archives holds extensive records for Loyalists who settled throughout the province, including the massive influx who founded Shelburne
  • Provincial Archives of New Brunswick contains records for the Saint John River valley settlements and the founding of Saint John
  • Prince Edward Island Public Archives has materials for the smaller but significant Loyalist population on the island

New England Historic Genealogical Society
Don't overlook American repositories. NEHGS has extensive Loyalist collections, including transcribed muster rolls and published genealogies.

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Step 4: Essential Online Tools and Databases

United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada (UELAC)
This organisation maintains a comprehensive database of proven Loyalist lineages. Their website includes research guides, a certificate program for verified descendants, and contact information for local branches that can provide hands-on help.

FamilySearch
The free genealogy platform has digitised thousands of Loyalist-related records. Search their Canada Military Records collection and the various provincial record collections. Their wiki pages also provide excellent research guidance.

Ancestry and MyHeritage
These subscription services have indexed many Loyalist records, making them keyword-searchable. Look for collections like "U.S., Loyalist Claims Commission, 1776-1831" and various Canadian land records.

Google Books and Internet Archive
Many 19th and early 20th-century Loyalist histories and genealogies have been digitised. These published works often contain information not found anywhere else, though always verify details against primary sources.

Step 5: Research Strategies That Work

Follow the Military Connection
Most male Loyalists had some military involvement, even if brief. Start with British Army and Loyalist regiment records, then trace connections to land grants and civilian records.

Track the Family Unit
Loyalists often travelled in extended family groups. If you find one ancestor, search for siblings, parents, and cousins in the same records and locations.

Don't Ignore the Women
Female Loyalists appear in records more than you might expect. Widows submitted claims, women received land grants, and church records document their community involvement.

Use Geographic Clusters
Loyalists from the same American communities often settled together in Canada. If you find your ancestor in a specific Nova Scotia township, research other families from the same area: they likely shared American origins.

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Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Assuming Every Early Settler Was a Loyalist
Not everyone who arrived in Atlantic Canada in the late 1700s was a Loyalist. Some were economic migrants, others came later from Britain or Ireland. Look for specific evidence of Revolutionary War-era displacement.

Relying Solely on Family Tradition
While family stories provide valuable clues, they're not always accurate. Always verify traditions against documentary evidence.

Overlooking Post-War Migration
Some families moved multiple times after the war. Your ancestor might have initially settled in Nova Scotia, moved to New Brunswick when it was created in 1784, then relocated again for better opportunities.

Neglecting American Records
Don't focus exclusively on Canadian sources. American records: town histories, probate files, military records: often provide crucial background information about your ancestor's pre-war life.

Advanced Research Tips

Explore Associated Families
Loyalist families often intermarried within their communities. If you're stuck on one line, research their neighbours and associates: marriage records might reveal family connections.

Check Multiple Spellings
18th-century record-keepers weren't always consistent with spelling. Search for phonetic variations of surnames and given names.

Look for Compensation Beyond Land
The British government provided various forms of assistance: provisions, transportation, tools, and even pensions for military service. These records might mention ancestors not found in land grants.

Making the Most of Your Research

Loyalist research requires patience and persistence, but the rewards are immense. These ancestors lived through one of North America's most tumultuous periods, making choices that shaped entire family lines. Their stories of loss, courage, and reinvention offer profound connections to our shared history.

Remember that Loyalist research often involves both American and Canadian records. Don't be surprised if your investigation takes you from a Nova Scotia land grant back to a New York probate file, then forward to a New Brunswick church record. These cross-border paper trails reflect the complex journeys our ancestors undertook.

As you dive into this fascinating research, keep detailed notes about sources and findings. Loyalist records can be scattered across multiple repositories, and you'll want to track where you've searched and what you've found.

Whether you're just beginning to explore potential Loyalist connections or you're ready to tackle advanced research challenges, remember that professional genealogists can help navigate complex cases and access records that might be difficult to obtain independently. At How We Got Here Genealogy Services, we specialise in Atlantic Canadian research and have extensive experience with Loyalist ancestry. Sometimes a fresh set of expert eyes can spot connections you might have missed or suggest new research directions that break through those stubborn brick walls.

Your Loyalist ancestors chose loyalty over convenience, often sacrificing everything for their principles. Their remarkable stories of resilience and new beginnings await your discovery in the rich archives of Atlantic Canada.

From Prince Edward Island to a World Away: A Story from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Own Family

When we think of the Montgomery family of Prince Edward Island, one name often comes to mind: Lucy Maud Montgomery, the beloved author of Anne of Green Gables. But what if her family tree holds another story, one just as compelling but nearly forgotten?

This is the story of Annie Montgomery, a woman whose life was profoundly shaped by her heritage. Her roots were firmly planted in the rich soil of Prince Edward Island, a place of deep community and even deeper faith. These foundations gave her the strength to do something truly remarkable—she left her home, and a life of comfort and success, to follow a powerful calling.

I’ve been working on a new video about Annie’s journey, and it’s a powerful reminder of how the values and actions of our ancestors can influence our own paths. While many know of her famous cousin, Annie’s incredible journey has been lost to time. Her story shows that the lives of those who came before us greatly affect our values, our actions, and our desires.

The central question I’ve been exploring while creating this video is: What inspires a person to leave everything they know behind and travel to a foreign land? Annie’s life is a testament to the power of conviction, proving that the story of How We Got Here can definitely determine where we go.

This is a story that needs to be heard, not just on Prince Edward Island, but wherever in the world you find yourself.

Stay tuned for the full video coming later this week!

A Canadian Heroine of World War I: The Inspiring Story of Beatrice McDonald

The latest video from How We Got Here Genealogy tells the remarkable story of Beatrice McDonald, a nurse from Prince Edward Island who served on the front lines during World War I [00:10]. Her courage and dedication in the face of unimaginable danger are truly inspiring.

The video paints a vivid picture of Beatrice’s service, highlighting the incredible challenges she faced. In a particularly harrowing moment, she lost sight in one eye due to an air raid [00:27]. But even this devastating injury didn’t deter her. She continued to serve, a testament to her unwavering commitment to caring for the wounded.

What makes Beatrice’s story even more extraordinary is that she was the first woman to receive both the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross [00:53]. These prestigious awards are a powerful recognition of her bravery and the vital role she played in the war effort.

The video also emphasizes the broader significance of Beatrice’s service. Her valor challenged traditional notions of women’s roles in wartime, demonstrating that women could serve with distinction, even for countries not their own [01:00]. She paved the way for future generations of women in the military and her legacy continues to inspire.

This video is a powerful tribute to a Canadian hero. It’s a reminder that courage and compassion can shine even in the darkest of times, and that the contributions of individuals like Beatrice McDonald should never be forgotten.
From Scotland to Billions: Unraveling the Story of the Irving Family

The latest video from How We Got Here Genealogy delves into the fascinating and often controversial story of the Irving family, a name synonymous with power and influence in Atlantic Canada. Clocking in at just over 19 minutes, this video provides a comprehensive overview of their journey, from their Scottish roots to their modern-day business empire.

The video begins by introducing the Irving family and their significant impact on Atlantic Canada. It then shines a spotlight on key figures like James K. Irving, highlighting his role in the family’s business conglomerate, his environmental initiatives, and his philanthropic contributions. The video also explores the dynamics between James and his brothers, Arthur and John, and their individual roles within the family business.

Of course, no exploration of the Irving family would be complete without delving into the life and legacy of Kenneth Colin (K.C.) Irving, the patriarch who built the foundation of their vast empire. The video provides insights into his business acumen and the strategies that propelled the family to such prominence.

Interestingly, the video also takes us back to the early generations of the Irving family, tracing their lineage using census records and family tree builders. We learn about James Darrel Irving and Herbert Irving, and their Scottish heritage, connecting their immigration to Canada with the historical context of the Highland and Lowland Clearances.

Whether you’re from Atlantic Canada or simply intrigued by stories of family dynasties, this video offers a compelling look at the Irving family’s history, their business ventures, and their enduring legacy.
The Timeless Tradition of Gaelic Piping in Atlantic Canada: A Look at Prominent Pipers and Their Scottish Roots

Gaelic piping is a beloved tradition in Scotland and has also become an integral part of the cultural heritage of Atlantic Canada. Immigrants from Scotland brought their love of music and the bagpipes with them, and over time, Gaelic piping became an important part of the cultural landscape of the region. In this blog post, I will delve into the rich history of Gaelic piping in Atlantic Canada, with a particular focus on prominent pipers and their Scottish roots. I will also explore the connection between traditional Gaelic piping and Maritime music

The History of Gaelic Piping in Atlantic Canada

Gaelic piping has a fascinating history in Atlantic Canada, dating back to the arrival of Scottish immigrants in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These immigrants brought with them their cultural traditions, including their love of music and the bagpipes. Over time, Gaelic piping became an important part of the cultural landscape in Atlantic Canada, with pipers playing at community events, festivals, and other gatherings.

One of the most famous Gaelic pipers in Atlantic Canada was John Allan Cameron, who was born in Inverness County, Nova Scotia, in 1938. Cameron was a well-known musician who performed all over the world, including at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. He was also a prolific songwriter and recorded over 40 albums during his career. Cameron’s Scottish roots can be traced back to his great-grandfather, who emigrated from the Isle of Skye to Cape Breton in the mid-19th century.

Another prominent Gaelic piper in Atlantic Canada was Angus Chisholm, who was born in Cape Breton in 1908. Chisholm was a renowned fiddler and piper who performed all over the world. He was also a respected music teacher and helped to pass on the tradition of Gaelic piping to future generations. Chisholm’s Scottish roots can be traced back to the Isle of Skye, where his ancestors were pipers and fiddlers.

Genealogical Connections to Scotland

Many of the prominent Gaelic pipers in Atlantic Canada can trace their roots back to Scotland, where the tradition of Gaelic piping began. These connections to Scotland have helped to keep the tradition of Gaelic piping alive in Atlantic Canada, with pipers passing down their knowledge and skills to future generations.

For example, Buddy MacMaster was a well-known fiddler and piper from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, whose Scottish roots can be traced back to the Isle of Lewis. MacMaster was a tireless promoter of Gaelic music and culture, and he helped to inspire a new generation of musicians in Atlantic Canada and beyond.

Similarly, Winston “Scotty” Fitzgerald was a legendary fiddler and piper from Cape Breton whose Scottish roots can be traced back to the Isle of Barra. Fitzgerald was a prolific musician who recorded many albums during his career, and he helped to popularize Gaelic music in Atlantic Canada and beyond.

The Connection between Traditional Gaelic Piping and Maritime Music

As someone who loves traditional Maritime music, I find the connection between this genre and Gaelic piping to be fascinating. Gaelic piping has had a significant influence on traditional Maritime music, which can often be heard at local pubs throughout Atlantic Canada. Maritime music incorporates many elements of Gaelic piping, including the use of bagpipes, fiddles, and other traditional instruments.

The Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, Cape Breton

The Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, Cape Breton, has played a significant role in the preservation and promotion of Gaelic culture and music in Atlantic Canada. Founded in 1938, the college offers courses in Gaelic language, music, dance, and crafts. The college also hosts a popular summer school for piping, drumming, and dancing, which attracts students from all over the world.

The College of Piping in Summerside, PEI

The College of Piping in Summerside, PEI, is another important institution that has helped to promote the tradition of Gaelic piping in Atlantic Canada. Founded in 1990, the college offers a wide range of courses in piping, drumming, and highland dancing. The college also hosts an annual piping and drumming competition, which draws competitors from all over North America.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tradition of Gaelic piping has a rich and fascinating history in Atlantic Canada, and it continues to thrive to this day. Prominent pipers such as John Allan Cameron, Angus Chisholm, Buddy MacMaster, and Winston “Scotty” Fitzgerald have helped to keep the tradition alive, and their Scottish roots have played a significant role in the development of modern piping in the region.

Moreover, the connection between traditional Gaelic piping and Maritime music is an important one, and it highlights the cultural significance of this musical tradition in Atlantic Canada. Institutions such as the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, Cape Breton, and the College of Piping in Summerside, PEI, have also played a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of Gaelic music and culture in the region.

As someone who loves the history of Gaelic piping in Atlantic Canada, I am grateful for these institutions and the many talented musicians who continue to carry on this timeless tradition.