Join Brian Nash in this episode of "How We Got Here" for a captivating conversation with guest Jamie Baillie, who returns to share the latest chapter in his family's remarkable history. ]Jamie recounts the story of his ancestors, the Baillies, who were evicted from their home in Sutherland, Scotland, during the Highland Clearances. He details their arduous five-week journey in 1814 aboard a timber ship, the *Perseverance of Aberdeen*, to start a new life in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. This move from tenant farmers to landowners marked a pivotal moment, setting the stage for generations of prosperity and opportunity that their descendants would come to enjoy.

The discussion takes an exciting turn as Jamie recounts his recent pilgrimage to Scotland, a journey to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors. With the help of a local historian, he located the exact site of his family's former village and the ruins of their home, providing an emotional and overwhelming connection to his past. This personal quest offers a powerful testament to the value of genealogical research, exploring how understanding our origins can provide a profound sense of identity and connection across generations.

Jamie and Brian also delve into the lasting impact of Scottish immigrants on the culture and development of Nova Scotia and Canada as a whole..

How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story.

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Brian Nash is a family historian and the host of How We Got Here: Genealogy. He focuses on helping people not just trace their family tree, but to understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make each family's story unique.

Brian began researching his own family history over 30 years ago. He proudly calls himself a "Celtic Canadian," having traced his own roots from Scotland and Ireland to their arrival in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ancestors’ stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history—some fled the Highland Clearances in Scotland, while others left Ireland during the Great Famine. They brought their expertise as coal miners from Scotland to Cape Breton and their mercantile skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax.

This personal connection to the past fuels Brian's passion for helping others discover their own heritage. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and genealogical societies in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island, Brian shares his extensive knowledge from his home base on PEI. He currently serves on the boards of the Prince Edward Island Community Museums Association and the Bedeque and Area Historical Society.

Through How We Got Here Genealogy, Brian guides others to connect with their own vibrant family narratives, helping them understand not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived.

About Brian Nash