Historical and Genealogical Research

in New Scotland (Nova Scotia)

Historical and Genealogical Research
specializing in
Scots in Nova Scotia, Canada

Since 1773, when the ship Hector brought the first Scottish emigrants to Pictou in 1773, Nova Scotia was often the first and the preferred settlement area for Scottish emigrants, including those from "Inverness and the North" of Scotland, from the Western Isles, from the Highland region south of Inverness, from the lowlands, from Ireland as Ulster Scots, and even from the United States as United Empire Loyalists. These Scottish emigrants settled in every County of Nova Scotia and added a significant contribution to its rich cultural heritage.

Many stayed in Nova Scotia, built new homes and worked long and hard to ensure their families would have a better life. Later, many among the second and subsequent generations moved westward throughout Canada, down to the United States, Australia and New Zealand, and other distant shores, to follow careers, fortune or the call of adventure.

The high regard Scots in Nova Scotia had for education, from the days of the first pioneers to settle here, stood them in good stead whatever their profession. It is often said, and rightly so, that one of Nova Scotia's main exports has been (and still is) brainpower, its sons and daughters having achieved wide recognition in their chosen careers throughout North America and the world.

Today, more than a century later, many expatriate Scots seeking their ancestral roots discover their lineage traces back to New Scotland (Nova Scotia) before it reaches across the "Great Atlantic Roar" to Scotland.

Using an extensive personal library, a worldwide `network' of genealogical contacts, the Public Archives of Nova Scotia, and other historical repositories, my team will research your family's Nova Scotia heritage. Limited research in Scotland is also available and professional referrals can be arranged for further investigation in the United Kingdom.

Should you wish to travel personally to Nova Scotia, we can do the advance work to save you time when you arrive. Also, we can assist you on your itinerary within Nova Scotia to maximize your time here, permitting you to discover as much of your "ancestral turf" as possible.

Photographic services are also available, including photographs of the surviving ancestral homes and properties, the old churches and schools, and the associated rustic beauty of Nova Scotia.

With a professional writer/journalist on the team, we can prepare an account of your ancestors in their historical venue, incorporating national and community events which effected their lives, and present the material in an interesting, informative venue. Publishing opportunities can be arranged, including internet Webpages that can be professionally structured to solicit further genealogical assistance relative to your family.

Contact us at [MacKay Mailbox], to discuss how these opportunities might be of service to you.

Janet MacKay, B.R.E., B.Sc.
Principal, MacKay Research Associates.
Research specialities:
Nova Scotia History
Scottish Heritage in Nova Scotia
Genealogy of Nova Scotia Scots
Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada)



Historical Writings of Janet MacKay



[MacKay Hall] [Heritage Hall] [Copyright (C) 1996]