SHDP Spring 2022 newsletter

SHDP Spring 2022 Newsletter

Many of you have been asking about the 250th anniversary celebration plans for 2023, so this issue will highlight some initial plans. A 2023 page has been added to the project website which lists a few events, and will be updated as more events and details are available. The Town of Pictou will be adding a Calendar of Events to their website in the near future also.

Are you planning a family reunion in 2023?
We can help promote your event to other descendants......
Would love to hear your ideas for events, please send an email to info@shiphectordescendants.ca
Can you volunteer? Plan an event, or help out in some way?

A "Descendants and Friends" banquet is planned for September 15, 2023 at the beautiful Pictou Lodge in Braeshore. We have a buffet meal, entertainment, piper and much more. Tickets will available at a later date, once final details are worked out. If you'd like to be notified when tickets go on sale, you can send an email to info@shiphectordescendants.ca

Voyage, the Musical will be presented September 14 & 16, 2023. It is produced and directed by Sandy Mackay of Pictou County and will feature local actors and musicians. A must see if you are in Pictou for 250th anniversary celebrations! Ticket information will be shared at a later date!

ALSO IN THE WORKS FOR 2023 IS A GENEALOGY AND HISTORY CONFERENCE PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER 9 & 10, 2023 IN PICTOU COUNTY. A KEYNOTE SPEAKER, PLUS A FULL DAY OF PRESENTATIONS IS PLANNED, WITH THE SECOND DAY FOR TOURS AND GROUP ACTIVITIES. MORE INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED IN FUTURE NEWSLETTERS AND ON THE 2023 PAGE OF THE PROJECT WEBSITE. http://www.shiphectordescendants.ca

An update re the trips to Scotland.......two trips are planned for 2023!

The July 2023 trip to Scotland is being offered by Carla MacKay of Travel Your Way travel agency. This fully guided tour will include a visit to Ullapool (Loch Broom) where the Ship Hector passengers departed in July 1773. A $300 deposit (per person) will be required to secure a spot with the balance due in May 2023. There are 40 seats available on this tour. Please note that flights are not included in the cost. The detailed itinerary can be found here: July Scotland trip

The September trip itinerary is being offered by Alison Balzer of Linens and Larder Travel. This itinerary is more customized for those of you wanting to research or explore the Highlands, where many of the passengers originated. A seat for this tour can also be secured with a $300 deposit. Twenty spots will be available for this trip. A link to the September itinerary can be found here: September Scotland trip

Your flight costs are not included and will depend on where you are departing from. A group flight will be arranged from Halifax, NS to Glasgow, Scotland by Carla once flight details are made available by the airlines.

Please connect with either Carla or Alison regarding either itinerary with any questions you may have, and to book your seat; Carla's email or Alison's email

Feel free to share this information with any relatives who may be interested.

Safe travels!

Image from a 1923 program for 150th Anniversary celebrations.

If you will be in Pictou County this summer, be sure to plan to attend The Festival of the Tartans in New Glasgow July 14 - July 17, 2022. After a 2 year "pause" during the pandemic, the Festival will resume this summer. Plan to celebrate your Scottish heritage and enjoy events such as: highland dancing, piping and drumming, heavyweight competitions; visit the concessions, clan tents, or sign up for the golf tournament! Something for everyone! It's great that this event will be held this year! The Festival of the Tartans Golf Tournament is planned for July 14th at Glen Lovat Golf Course. It will be a scramble format, in teams of 4.
Visit their website to stay up to date on this event......https://festivalofthetartans.wordpress.com

These beautiful Pictou County Collector posters were created by John Ashton and are referred to as Tradigital as they combine traditional drawings with computer design. They feature the history and beauty of Pictou County.
They are 16 x 20" unframed, $25 each.
Contact John at 902-923-2837 or ashtondesign@seasidehighspeed.com if you might like one (or more).

Descendant Profile: David Matheson, Esquire (1812-1886) was a grandson of William Matheson and Elsa/Elizabeth MacKenzie who came on the Ship Hector. His parents were William Matheson, Esq and Mary McKenzie. He was the first Mayor of Pictou, serving for one term in 1874. His occupation was lawyer, which served him well as Municipal Clerk and Prothontary for the County. He married Elizabeth McKay who was a granddaughter of Roderick McKay and Christian Grant, also Hector passengers. Elizabeth's maternal ancestors were passengers on the Betsey, which arrived in Pictou in 1767. David and Elizabeth had a family of 7 children, with 6 living to adulthood, 3 sons and 3 daughters.

David is one of many "distinguished descendants" to be included in a book, slated to be published in early 2023 with the help and input from John Ashton, historical writer, graphic designer and author.

This stone house was built in 1814 by Hector passenger Alexander MacKay (1765-1849). It is located at 126 Almont Street, New Glasgow and made of ballast stone and wood. Mr MacKay owned approximately 600 acres of land in the area which is currently the Town of New Glasgow.
We are thinking of organizing a bus tour in 2023, to include homes, farms and places of historical significance related to Ship Hector passengers. Just wondering if people would be interested in this activity in September 2023..... If so, you can let us know so we can decide if we'll proceed with a plan for this tour info@shiphectordescendants.ca

Are you on Facebook? Please like and follow the SHDP page.
Sharing helps reach more descendants.
Ship Hector descendants are regularly featured with various photos and info about their life and accomplishments. An easy way to find these is to use the hashtag #shiphectordescendant to search for them on Facebook.

Have suggestions for content or information you'd like to share in this newsletter? Have a photo to share?
Please send your ideas to info@shiphectordescendants.ca
It would be great to hear from you!
PROJECT WEBSITE: WWW.SHIPHECTORDESCENDANTS.CA
FACEBOOK PAGE: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SHIPHECTORDESCENDANTS

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Ship Hector Descendants Project · Oceanglen Lane · Braeshore, Nova Scotia B0K 1H0 · Canada