The amazing stone circle at Laugh Gur dating from over 4000 years ago

   The Irish Palatine Center, its board and all of the other persons and organizations who

contributed to this event are to be commended for making our 300th anniversary meaningful and

enjoyable.

German Ambasador to Ireland, Busso von Alvensleben talks with Gary Switzer

   In addition to the visits to Irish Palatine sites, we did some fun and interesting sight seeing.

Traveling to the coast to visit the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and The

Burren, seeing the megolithic tombs at the Burren and at Lough Gur and the Flying Boat Museum

at Foynes added to our tour. We were also entertained by The Templegalantine Comhaltas Seisún

Group and by Siamsa Tire with traditional Irish music. Dinner at Bunratty Castle in the style of a

medieval banquet was a delight for all of us except for poor Bill Teskey, who ended up in the

dungeon!

To assist Irish Palatines in learning about their genealogy and connecting with other Irish Palatines

Ontario Genealogical Society

Continued

    Of unique interest were the two presentations by Monika Schoenbucher, from Assenheim,

in the Palatinate. Living in the town that is the original home of the Switzers, Monika has taken great

interest in what Dorothy Switzer might have experienced as she prepared to migrate. In two

monologues she brought to us a sense of what it must have been like to leave leave family and

friends for ever and venture into the unknown.

    Monika's neighbor, Doris Spychalski, brought a very special present from Assenheim. Many of us have seen photos of the corner post of the Assenheim Rathouse which includes the Switzer name among leaders of the town. The Irish Palatine Center now has an exact copy of that post to display. It was Doris' ancestor, Stork, who signed the 'passport' for Michael Schweitzer to emigrate.

Doris Spychalski, descendent of Stork Family named on pillar and Christy Switzer                 The Corner Post

    ka, Doris and Bernd Braun were not our only participants from Germany. Most

significantly, the German Ambasador to Ireland, Busso von Alvensleben spent several days with us

and seemed to enjoy our celebration as much as we did.

The Assenheim Rathaus, Assenheim Germany

The Cliffs of Moher

The dolmen in the haunting land of the Burren - A 5000 year old tomb