Millions descend from the more than 150,000 Scots who settled in North America by 1785. Those settlers, like many settlers of the time, took part in the transatlantic slave trade. A generous grant from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Connections Fund enabled the NYG&B to engage the services of expert researchers to compile the following guide and accompanying resources to trace biographical and genealogical connections to those enslaved individuals. The information gathered provides an introductory framework for those seeking to identify connections to this important—but unexamined—element of the Scottish diaspora.
Part I: Getting Started in North America
Part II: Getting Started in Scotland
About the Project
The Researchers
Pauline Jarvis is the owner of Rootle, a small, professional genealogy service located in Edinburgh, Scotland. She conducts research worldwide, with a particular focus on Scottish genealogy. With over 20 years of research experience, Pauline holds an MSc (with distinction) in Genealogical Studies from the University of Strathclyde. She is a member of both the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and the Register of Qualified Genealogists (RQG), and volunteers on the communications team at RQG.
Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy, known as "familytreegirl," is a dedicated genealogist with over three decades of experience. Murphy serves on the boards of the Library of Virginia, Albemarle Charlottesville, and Fluvanna Historical Societies. She coordinates and teaches at the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) and develops educational programs for the International African American Museum's Center for Family History. Since 2009, she has been an Adjunct Professor at Averett University and conducts personal research across several states.
The Scottish Connections Fund
The Scottish Connections Fund offers grants to Scottish diaspora organisations and their members, for new projects that promote Scotland’s links around the world.
