Romeoville Resident Helps Fest-Goers Explore their Scottish Roots

Every year, the Chicago Scots organization hosts two full days of Scottish-themed events, from a haggis-eating contest to Celtic rock and bagpipes to sheepherding domeonstrations and more.

Just in time for the 2012 event, set for June 15 and 16, the annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games is moving to a new venue at Hamilton Lakes in Itasca, and promises to be fun for Scots and non-Scots alike.

This year, a woman is charged with helping fest-goers track down their Scottish roots.

Bess Schulmeister and members of the Scottish Genealogy Group will be on hand at the event, offering assistance to anyone who hopes to learn more about their clan.

“Part of the mission for the society is to nuture the Scottish identity,” said Schulmeister. “We’ve got a fairly extensive library,” she added, from Scottish history books to ship manifests that may help guests trace their ancetors’ journeys to America.

“We try to answer any questions we can,” said Schulmeister. Genealogy is a growing hobby, she said, thanks in part to television shows like PBS’ “Finding Your Roots” and NBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?”

“It’s the biggest online hobby there is,” she said.

The Scottish Festival and Highland Games is not only a little bit of Scotland right here in the Chicago area — it’s also a fundraiser for Illinois’ oldest charity. Proceeds from the event benefit The Scottish Home, a senior care facility in North Riverside.

“It’s modeled after the events they have in Scotland,” Schulmeister said of the two-day fest.

For tickets, event schedules or more information on the Scottish Festival and Highland Games, visit www.chicagoscots.org.