EAST PRESTON, N.S. – Some 300 descendants of the Colley family are gathering this weekend in East Preston, N.S. for a family reunion.
Some travelled from all over Canada, the United States, Europe and even as far away as Korea.
The Colley family has a rich history in the province of Nova Scotia. They are descendants of Sir. John Wentworth, the first Lieutenant Governor Of Nova Scotia and family members have roots in Great Britain and Jamaica.
“We brought drove a bus load of 26 family members from Toronto with us,” said Myra Colley
James and Harriet (Diggs) Colley started the current family tree in East Preston around 200 years ago. Eight generations later, family are celebrating their legacy.
Harriet Colley is the granddaughter of Harriet (Diggs) Colley and helped organize the massive family reunion.
“It’s about remembering where we got our start, remembering how difficult it was for us to live in a community that was given to us,” said Harriet Colley
The family history is immortalized in a generations-old family quilt on display. Every family members’ name and important stories are stitched in by hand.
The reunion began Friday night with a black tie ball. Saturday was a day of activities surrounded by dozens of tents set up on the current Colley family property. It will conclude Sunday afternoon with a outdoor family church service.
Many family members say the weekend is about the younger generations and teaching them their roots.
“It’s bridging the gap between the young and old generations and to know where we come from,” said Sarah Mitchell.
Harriet Colley echoes those sentiments.
“It’s about fun, family and love. So that the legacy will live on for generations to come.”
Comments