The object I have chosen to represent my family’s past is a windchime hung by my relatives, Lauren Sweeney and Patty Gallagher Sweeney, in Seattle, Washington. My family’s Irish heritage becomes obvious when reading our names, and we strive to cherish and celebrate our heritage each day. My paternal great grandmother, whose last name was Hurley, came to the United States from Ireland around the year 1916. The Sweeney family now resides all throughout the country, with members in Maryland, Washington, Georgia, Tennessee, California, New Mexico and Alaska. 

My dad grew up in Seattle, where windchimes are commonly sold and seen throughout. My relatives on the West Coast hang these windchimes which are engraved with our family name, a lasting reminder of our heritage and our story. My dad’s family also hung a Sweeney family crest in the hallway of their home when he was growing up, which is symbolic of our connection with Ireland. Through genetic tests we have found that my dad and his siblings our 96% Irish and 4% Western European. When I am older I want to teach my children about Irish heritage and about how their ancestors came to live in the United States. 

– SS.

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more