DERRY — Creating a link between Derry,, N.H., and Derry, Northern Ireland, may be easier than you think .
Residents in Derry's namesake town in Ireland are preparing to celebrate in 2013 as the first United Kingdom City of Culture.
The Irish residents want Granite State Derry and Londonderry residents to visit.
"I am especially keen to have people whose ancestors originated from this part of Ireland come as tourists during 2013, to enjoy the many events that we will be promoting and also to search for their ancestors whilst here," said William Houston, a member of the UK City of Culture 2013 committee.
Derry/Londonderry was named the UK's inaugural City of Culture. Preparations are now underway for a year-long celebration next year.
According to "A Second Glimpse of Derry," people migrated from Scotland to Northern Ireland in the early 1600s to escape religious prosecution. Those people settled in an area called Derry, later to be named Londonderry.
In the early 1700s, a group of 16 families eventually emigrated to the New World, arriving in "Nutfield," now Derry Village, to start a new life.
Led by the Rev. James MacGregor, the town's earliest settlers included names like Gregg, Cargill, Nesmith, Anderson and Allison.
Many are buried in the historic Forest Hill Cemetery in East Derry.
Houston said the invitation is open for anyone wishing to visit Ireland or do some genealogical work while there.
Town historian Richard Holmes said he is working with organizers in Ireland on similar celebrations. He said visiting there would be a great way to share histories and learn more about where this area's earliest settlers came from.
He said he would love to have an official "sister city" designation.
Houson said he hopes people will consider making the trip abroad in 2013 to the ancestral home of many of their relatives.
To learn more about what's planned in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in 2013, visit cityofculture2013.com.
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