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American genealogist Megan Smolenyak visit to Lord Mayor

French born American citizen genealogist Megan Smolenyak signing the visitor’s book on a visit to the City Hall in the presence Cork Lord Mayor Michael O’Connell and Lady Mayoress Catherine O’Connell  Monday 9th August 2010 

Ms Smolenyak is famous for unearthing the family roots of many prominent people including tracing President Barrack Obama roots to Co. Offaly  and the roots of Annie Moore the first person to be processed through Ellis island the U.S. emigration centre circa 1850. Annie went on to wed and live in New York where she raised 11 children, she died at the age of 47.

Prior to meeting with Lord Mayor O’Connell, Ms Smolenyak visited Annie Moore’s birth place on the Old Youghal Road a Cork suburb and then went on to the city’s Rowland’s Lane near Shandon Steeple where she was raised, (a statue of Annie Moore and her brothers is on display in Cobh.) she then went on to see Annie Moore’s baptism in St. Patrick’s Church

Cork Historian and teacher Tim McCoy who arranged the visit presented Ms Smolenyak with books and DVDS relating to Corks History some of which he had produced with the pupils of  Scoil Oilibheir in Cork .

Ms Smolenyak is involved with the TV programme" Who do you think you are" and  is the creator of the American TV company RootsTelevision.com a pioneering online channel of free videos including many Irish subjects

"From Cork to New York" Trailer

Cork - Tomas Mac Curtain

Annie Moore

Cork - The Burning of Cork

  Irish Coats of Arms Crests Family Tartans Heraldry

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