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