We collect and uncover the migration stories from the North of Ireland through genealogy, public outreach, archaeology, and research.
The Ulster-Scots story in Maine and their influence on New England has been greatly overlooked and oversimplified by traditional historical narratives. U.S. census data 2020 confirms that Maine has, per capita, the highest percentage of self-identified Scottish and Scots-Irish descendants in the entire USA.
Our 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.
We welcome you to our website and invite you to explore. While we are in the process of developing an entirely new and modern site, we will be updating and adding new pages to this website on a regular basis. We hope you will return often and we encourage you to follow us on Facebook.
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We are saddened to report the passing of William “Bill” McKeen. Bill was a true Mainer. Born, bred, and immersed in Maine traditions. He spoke with a rich Maine accent and was proud of his roots. He devoted his life to his family, to his work, and to his community, always finding the time to apply his talent to the things that would support them. His devotion and optimism carried the day through many a difficult time.
Bill devoted years to the Saint Andrews Society of Maine and established the Friday night Ceilidh at the Maine Highland Games giving the clans a place to celebrate and the Games a needed boost. Bill was an original volunteer to the Maine Ulster-Scots Project eagerly joining in its mission to save and share the stories of Maine’s nearly forgotten Scots-Irish families. He spent untold hours working at public functions, archaeological dig sites, researching family trees and family stories, and compiling the most comprehensive list of Maine’s pioneering Scots-Irish families ever assembled.
To say that he will be missed would be a huge understatement, but Bill preferred to understate his contributions to others, so we will let it go at that. Bill embodied the Maine motto “DIRIGO” (I lead”) and we will all miss his leadership, his friendship, and his steadfast optimism. His encouraging words “we can do this!” still rings in our ears. Godspeed Bill, you did it!
More on Bill’s work with MUSP: https://www.maineulsterscots.com/excellence-award
November 23rd saw a standing room only audience for the first public report on MUSP's archaeological work "Uncovering the lost Ulster-Scots settlement at Flying Point." Our own, John Mann discussed who the Ulster-Scots were, why they came to Maine, and reviewed the various archeological work and finds that give us insights into this fascinating history.
Many thanks to John, the Freeport Historical Society and Wolfe's Neck Center and all the volunteers for a fantastic and well received talk.
Visit our EVENTS page to view upcoming and past MUSP events.
In 2026, the United States of America will mark its 250th anniversary. The Maine Ulster-Scots Project plans to embrace this historic moment by organizing events and developing initiatives to identify and honor the Scots-Irish Revolutionary War Patriots with connection to Maine who helped win the American War of Independence.
We look forward to organizing a series of inclusive activities showcasing our Patriots and battles that occurred in Maine. Watch is space as plans are formalized.
Share your family’s Maine patriot name and story with us at: info@maineulsterscots.com
Finding the Jacob Anderson Garrison or Block-house on Lower Flying Point, Freeport, Maine
The Ulster-Scots ‘Means’ homestead story gets a fresh look
An archaeological portrait of an Ulster-Scots habitation on the Maine frontier
