Dear Listers: Today is Independence Day, or for some, the Anniversary of the "Great Rebellion," as I have heard the Revolutionary War has been called by the Brittish. Americans spend the day with family and friends. Watching parades and fireworks displays. Eating "hot dogs", apple pie and watermellon. However, it is not just a day for beer and barbeques. It is a day that we honor those brave enough to bring forth this great nation and those who kept the Liberty we enjoy alive. Many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Scottish Heritage. The Declaration, itself is based upon the Declaration of Arbroath, written in Scotland April 6, 1320. The ideals expressed are incredibly similar. There were people of many nations that helped the Americans fight for and form a new nation. And many that tried their darndest to defend against such a break from British authority! Please take a bit of time this weekend to share any Family stories or history or genealogy that you may have related to this era. I would love to hear the merits of Benedict Arnold as your forefathers knew him, even as much as others would admire George Washington. For those of you with no known ties to the Revolutionary War or Great Rebellion, perhaps you might share some other summer time tradition that this weekend marks for you. For those of you down under... gosh! Perhaps our Fireworks displays that light up our night can warm up your Winter day. It is hard to imagine the 4th of July just being an "ordinary" day. http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration/declaration.html http://www.constitution.org/scot/arbroath.htm Google has more links: http://www.google.com/search?q=history+of+independence+day http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/timelines/britain/geo_america_ind.shtml http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/terrace/adw03/c-eight/america/war.htm http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/state/empire/american_revolution_01.shtml Have a great weekend, no matter where in the world you may be. Happy Fourth of July, Lauren List Admin

Hi all, Shhh, here is an advance publication heads up! Nora Hickey, whom many of us have enjoyed hearing lecture on Irish Research is planning a Specialized Research Week in Dublin 28 March - 3 April 2004! Limited to 12 participants, attendees are to make their own hotel and flight plans (so you can extend you trip to other parts of Ireland!) and for a consulting fee of $700, Nora will help you *ahead of time* create a research plan based upon the particulars of your individual research needs to greatly increase your chances of finding what you are looking for! I am setting up a website with more info, but it will not be up until next week: www.websweweave.net/~IrishResearch - please feel free to share the link with mailing lists you think would like to know! MCGS member, Sally Warren, as usual, is the local contact: Sally Warren [[email protected]] Jana