They weren’t Puritans. They weren’t Pilgrims.

They were farmers, flax-weavers. Fighters and freethinkers.

They were the Scots-Irish, a small band of determined settlers who arrived in New England in 1718. Forged in the borderlands of Scotland, tempered in Ireland and destined to leave their mark on New Hampshire’s landscape and legacy.

They brought with them the potato, the linen trade, and a fierce independence that helped define the American Revolution. We’ll follow their winding path from Ulster to the granite hills of New Hampshire. Whether your ancestors hailed from Ulster or you’re just curious about one of the state’s most influential immigrant groups, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

At this year’s New Hampshire Indoor Scottish Festival, historian Mary Adams will take us on a journey through the Scots-Irish experience, tracing their migration from Ulster to the first settlements of New Hampshire and their lasting impact on the state’s culture. From the struggles of early colonists to their role in shaping the Revolutionary spirit, this lecture will explore how a small but influential group helped lay the foundation for modern New Hampshire.

A New Hampshire native and seasoned storyteller, Mary Adams has spent her career bringing history to life. From leading tours in San Francisco, Boston, and Glacier National Park to serving as an interpreter for the National Park Service, she has dedicated herself to making history accessible and engaging. She currently works at The Pursuit of History Weekends, curating unique historical experiences, and is a staff member at the New Hampshire Historical Society, where she plays a key role in the Granite State Stories programs, narrates virtual field trips, delivers workshops for adults, and trains museum educators.

Join us as we uncover the Scots-Irish legacy and their enduring influence on New Hampshire’s past and present at the Indoor Scottish Festival on April 12!