The Bann Valley Migration Scheme began in Summer 1718 and was organised by James MacGregor minister in Aghadowey. He encouraged his fellow Presbyterian church members to sail to New England in search of religious freedom, better economic conditions and agricultural opportunities. The Governor of Massachusetts was petitioned to allow this group along with many others to seek to be allowed to settle there. When many of these families from the Bann Valley and Aghadowey parish in County Derry together with others from Ballymoney, County Antrim arrived into Massachusetts, they were moved onto New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont and later to Nova Scotia. The town of Nutfield New Hampshire later was renamed Londonderry.
For further details and dates for this commemoration, please see the following link:
https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/uploads/general/Whats_On_1718_Programme_WEB.pdf
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