The Curtin Clan Association
Left to right: Hugh Curtin, Ted Curtin, Larry Curtin,
Daniel M. Curtin, Anne Emperor, Curtin Winsor,
Margaret Curtain and Neal Curtin
A modern embodiment of the ancient Curtin Sept took form in Burlington, Massachusetts, USA at the turn of the century.
The brain child of Neal Curtin, retired from the US Air Force, his brothers and some Curtin friends, the Curtin Clan Association held it’s first Gathering in Burlington in 1999, at which time the first officers and Executive Board were confirmed.
A nucleus membership of about 60 selected as Chief of Clan Curtin Winsor of Pennsylvania, descended from a Count. Clare Curtin. Daniel Curtin of California became Vice Chief, Neal accepted the dual post of Secretary/Treasurer, while Margaret Curtain of Australia was chosen Clan Genealogist, a post that was soon made permanent, at her discretion. Members of the first Executive Board were Neal's brothers Hugh and Lawrence Curtin, Ted Curtin of Massachusetts, Paul Curtin, and Anne Emperor of New York, descended from a Curtin of County Cork.
A constitution was proposed, to be ratified within the next few months; and it was agreed to hold a gathering every two years, at which officers and executive board members would be elected. It was further agreed that gatherings be alternated between Ireland and other countries, with the second one to be held in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare.
Clan business between gatherings was to be conducted by the officers and the board by mail and e-mail. Neal Curtin established a newsletter, available to members by mail or e-mail, and an internet web site, which has been modified and updated regularly; current address is http://clancurtin.net. Members only email sites were also established by Dan Curtin the present Chief of Clan.
Our welcoming at the Gathering in Mallow, IRE 2005
Present-day Curtins are descended from two distinct lines, whose Gaelic names, in modern times,came to be pronounced "MacCurtin", with several spelling variations. The new Clan Association adopted as its symbol the arms of the distinguished Co. Clare sept, the MacCruitins, who in olden days were hereditary to the great O'Brien family of Thomond. These arms were granted in 1732 to "Hugh Buide McCurten, Chief of his Sept". The lands of the MacCruitins were around present day Ennistymon, where many Curtins reside to this day.
Thus, it was appropriate that the first Gathering of the modern clan in Ireland was held in that neighborhood. A subsequent Irish Gathering was held at Mallow in 2005, and most recently Templeglantine, Co. Limerick, in 2009. Both of these towns are in the center of concentrations of Curtins.
The Gatherings have featured talks on various topics of interest, given by authorities in their fields. These have ranged from expositions on the study and practice of Genealogy by our own Genealogist, Margaret Curtain, through presentations on settlements of Curtin emigrants around the world, Irish history brought to life by Sister Margaret MacCurtain of Ireland, and a study of the origin and development of the Curtin surname, by Brian MacCurtain of Ireland. Ample time is provided for getting acquainted for good conversation, to say nothing of fine dining and Irish music and dance.
Neal Curtin investigated the new trend toward using DNA as an aid to Genealogy, and established a Curtin DNA project with Family Tree.
To date, nearly 60 male Clan members have participated in this study, with interesting results. Membership in the Association now stands near 150, with members from Ireland, England, Australia, the USA, Canada, Austria and China! Anyone who bears the surname Curtin or who is descended from a Curtin is eligible to join our Association, and we welcome you all. Membership details are posted here.
The most recent Gathering, held in Templeglantine, County Limerick, Ireland in 2009 saw the election of new Board Members.
Dan M. Curtin of California was re-elected Chief of Clan;
Frank Curtin, Freemount, Co. Cork, Ireland - Vice Chief;
Dan J. Curtin of New York - Treasurer; Lisa Wylie of New York, descended from Curtins of Counties Cork and Kerry, is Secretary; Margaret Curtain, Australia is the Genealogist, Jo-Anne Wylie is Membership Chair, and Anne Emperor is Newsletter Editor.
Other Board Members are Gerard Curtin of Ontario, Canada, Peg Curtin of Connecticut, Richard Curtin of California, and Joanne Linehan from Co. Kerry, Ireland.
2009 Board Members
(Photo supplied by Dan Curtin of Albany, NY)
