Dunfermline library team helps US man’s search for ancestors

A team at Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries has been praised for helping an American man’s research into his family tree.

The Local Studies team, which, among other things, helps people looking into their ancestry, became involved in researching details of the Meldrum family after being contacted by Dr Sean Cortopassi from Virginia in December 2025.

And the 3,400-mile distance across the Atlantic between the team and Dr Cortopassi didn’t prove too much of an obstacle, with emails flying back and forth during the ongoing correspondence.

Dr Cortopassi started his search to help his Edinburgh-born grandmother Helen Thelma Marcelin track down information on her family tree, including the Dunfermline-based weaving family the Meldrums.

Sharron McColl, Local Studies Supervisor, explained: “This wasn’t a straightforward enquiry because it evolved as it developed, and also because it involved looking out more specialised records– some of the handwriting in our weaving books was a challenge in itself!

“Helping people who are researching their ancestry is part of our day-to-day work and it can often prove very interesting for us too.

“We were all happy to help try to find the information Dr Cortopassi was searching for, and it was good to get our teeth into a challenge.”

Dr Cortopassi, a Senior Federal Leader, said: “The support I have received has meant a great deal to me, both personally and academically. I am very grateful that OnFife’s staff have taken such care in helping me recover this part of my family’s history.

“Although I am American, this history was of enormous personal importance to my grandmother and to the generations of my family who carried their Scottish identity overseas.

“Recovering the story of her Meldrum ancestors has become much more than an academic exercise for me. It is an effort to restore a part of our family history that was nearly lost.

“I could not be more appreciative of the team’s help. Their generosity, professionalism and commitment to preserving Fife’s history have made this work possible.”

Image:

Dr Sean Cortopassi and some of his family tree research.

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For further information contact Sheona Small, Press & Communications Manager, 07809 727 989 or email sheona.small@onfife.com   

Notes to editors:  

OnFife is a registered charity and manages and operates theatres, libraries, museums and galleries and cultural partnerships on behalf of Fife Council for people living, working and visiting Fife.  Further information can be found at www.onfife.com