‘Dirigo’, The Maine Drum – A lambeg drum in America

 

The State of Maine, USA celebrated its bicentennial in 2020 and in recognition of the close partnership the Ulster-Scots Agency has with our friends in the Maine Ulster-Scots Project we commissioned an instrument unique to Ulster – a Lambeg drum.

The drum was painted by Richill-based drum painter and champion drummer Andy Young and includes images that celebrate our shared history and links.

The drum will be used in Maine to help raise awareness about Ulster-Scots. As well as being a unique display piece we hope that in 2021 the drum will be played in Maine, sharing the rhythms of Ulster with our transatlantic kinfolk.

Maine has close Ulster-Scots links with Ulster and the Maine Ulster-Scots Project aims to promote awareness of Maine’s Ulster-Scots heritage and to gather, save, and share the stories of Maine’s Ulster-Scots families.

Keeping with the tradition of naming Lambeg drums, the ‘Maine Drum’ is named ‘Dirigo’ (‘I Lead), the motto of the State of Maine.

Lower front of the drum
Arthur Cottage Lambeg Drum Playing
Top of the drum with the Maine Seal
Painting the Lambeg Drum
Unveiling of the drum at Arthur Cottage
River Maine Cullybackey Bann Tributary
Unveiling of the drum at Arthur Cottage
Transferring the design onto the drum