"Nine million people globally can trace their family story back to Derry and the North West," states Brian Mitchell in his recent article in the Derry Journal. He goes on to describe a development on Derry Quay similar to Ellis Island. The article can be read in its entirety here: http://www.derryjournal.com/news/local/ellis-island-idea-could-create-tourism-boom-for-derry-quay-1-4657464 Derry's "Ellis Island idea" includes three elements:  1) Statues depicting three generations of a family as some are leaving Derry and some are left behind; 2) Benches inscribed with the names of six ships involved in Derry's emigrant trade over three centuries; and 3) an illustrated panel which summarizes the history of Derry as an emigrant port. On reading the online story, Rachel Foley - founder of "Ancestors from Ireland" (www.ancestorsfromireland.ie) based in Killarney, County Kerry - said, "if every journey has a starting point and if a percentage of the nine million diaspora return home it would be such a positive boost for the economy in Derry." Planning a trip to Ireland in 2013? If so, you should consider including the Derry Quay as a place to visit.