The Maine Ulster-Scots Project mission is to promote awareness of Maine’s Scots-Irish heritage and to gather, save, and share the stories of Maine’s Scotch-Irish families. Since 2006, we have led the effort to examine the Scots-Irish identity in Maine from its earliest arrival to the present day.

MUSP brings together avocational historians and academia to explore stories and opportunities for bringing Scots-Irish influence out of the shadows of British colonial settlement. We work together to learn about challenges to understanding this migration, uncovering complex genealogy of the early settlement, exploring the impact in the foundation of local politics and the conflict with the indigenous community, while uncovering the legacy of this group to the character of Maine.

The Maine Ulster-Scots Project is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes as a 501(c)(3) Corporation. The specific objectives of the Corporation include: 1) Educating the public of the historic role Ulster-Scots played in the settlement of the State of Maine and New England, 2) Locating and preserving Ulster-Scots history, genealogy, historical sites, and artifacts found therein, and, 3) Scientific research and archeological excavation of historic Ulster-Scot sites.

Ways to support our mission:

1) Join us and donate your time and skills. We have many opportunities for friends of MUSP to serve on a variety of standing and ad hoc committees encompassing the following areas: Archaeology Unit • Family Research / Family Stories • Book Authoring/ Editing / Publishing • Library / Resources • Public Outreach / Lectures • Event Planning / Logistics • Publicity / Website / Social Media • Maine Scots-Irish Heritage Trail • Celebrating America 250 (1776-2026) • Business Planning / Grants / Fundraising. For more information: info@MaineUlsterScots.com and follow us on Facebook for updates on meetings and events.

2) Make a donation. We gratefully accept tax-deductible donations to help support the MUSP mission of saving and sharing Maine’s Scots-Irish heritage. Click to donate by PayPal or Credit Card. Mail checks to:  MUSP, PO Box 365, Freeport, ME 04032

3) Make a prearranged gift  in your estate planning or honor a family member by making a memorial gift. Please contact us info@MaineUlsterScots.com to initiate a conversation of how to make a lasting contribution to the Maine Ulster-Scots Project.

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Scots-Irish migration starting in 1718 formed the backbone of many Maine communities, Maine’s traditional industries, cultural heritage, conflict, and peace. Their influence can be found in our legal systems, local control preference, relationships to the land, and dry Maine humor. We seek to share stories and expand access to Maine’s Scots-Irish Heritage through public programming and research.

The Ulster-Scots of Maine – First Families Project

Members of the Maine Ulster Scots Project and its many friends have combined known family histories with many published sources to provide brief family digests. The information comes from many sources, some accurate and some questionable, and is therefore only intended to be a guide toward further investigation.

This is the story of two Belfast's - 3,000 miles apart. Two ports linked by name, by culture, and by shared tradition. The early Ulster-Scots settlers in America often named their settlements after places they left behind in Ulster. These names endure to this day, reflecting strong links between Ulster and the New World. This video tells the story of the link between Belfast in Ulster and in Maine, USA.