My name is Rachel Craig I work at the Ulster American Folk Park. I have always had an interest in history and enjoyed anyone giving a lecture or talking about it. My interest in history led me to join the “West Tyrone Historical Society”. They have very interesting speakers in the past concerning the local history which I prefer .e.g Dr. Canny gave a most interesting lecture on immigration to Ireland on the 17 th Century I was always very interested on people of the past especially the revolution ary times – how they survived; what where their aims and achievements especially the Irish factor ; the difference in those who were well off and the poor people who made up the largest population ? How did they achieve their education with so few schools about and how far they had to walk, probably in their bare feet.

That is why I find it so rewarding working at the Ulster American Folk Park. The visitors from all over the world are fascinated by it all. I enjoy explaining to the visitors about the historical significance of it all.

Until recently I lived in the Old School House in Ardstraw village where I now run A Self Catering business but have recently moved to the partly restored Old School adjacent to the School House. overlooking the River Derg..

Ardstraw historically is very interesting . There was an old monastery known as “ The Abbey” Also two very old grave- yards which contain people of different religions many of whom are famous locally.