Explore Your Archives

Explore Your Archive 2022 launch week will run from 26th November to 4th December. 

Explore Your Archive is an annual campaign that showcases the best of archives and archive services in Ireland and the UK.

The campaign aims to open up the phenomenal archival collections held by organisations – public and private –  whatever their size and scale, and wherever they are.

EYA 2021 Ambassador journalist and broadcaster, Flor MacCarthy

To watch Flor's speech at ARA Ireland's launch, 18th November click here.

To listen to Communications and Campaigns Officer Niamh Ní Charra's interview with Ryan Tubridy to promote the 2021 campaign click here.

Throughout the week archives across the country will showcase their collections online, to help the public discover a piece of Irish history and culture. We will be updating the EYA and Featured pages as submissions come in, so please make sure to check back regularly. Submissions can be made directly to the Campaigns and Communications officer Niamh Ní Charra at niamhnicharra@gmail.com. 

For ARA Ireland's customisable EYA poster please click here, and for our EYA logo please click here.

EYA 2021 EVENTS

EYA daily themes have been announced! Get planning and then get ready to get sharing on social media during the campaign launch week.

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Tuesday 16th November - April 2022

Cork City and County Archives

On 15 November 2021, the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Colm Kelleher, launched our historical exhibition at the City and County Archives, ‘Tadhg Barry (1880-1921), Rebel and Revolutionary’. Barry was a key figure in Cork’s War of Independence story.

Born and raised on Blarney Street, Cork, Barry, a well known journalist, served alongside Tomas McCurtain and Terence MacSwiney in the First Cork Brigade of the Irish Volunteers, and as a Councillor on Cork Corporation. Tragically, Barry was one of the last prominent republicans to be killed by Crown forces, before the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December 1921. His funeral on 20 November was one of the largest ever seen in Cork, attendees including General Michael Collins, who left the Treaty negotiations in London to honour his fallen comrade. On the centenary of Barry’s death, our exhibition seeks to mark his life and to raise awareness of his enormous contribution to the story of Cork in the tumultuous 1912-21 period.

Expertly curated by historian Dr. Luke Dineen, the exhibition places Tadhg’s life in context, with themes about the many areas of Cork life in which he was centrally involved: Home Rule politics; the creation of the Irish Volunteers; Republican politics and armed struggle; the labour and trade union movements; local government; journalism and literature; and Gaelic games and cultural activism. A number of original letters, documents and artefacts relating to Barry are also on display, including items provided by the Barry family, and items from the Cork Archives and Cork Public Museum collections. 

This exhibition forms part of Cork City Council’s 1920-1923 Commemoration programme, sponsored jointly with the Department of Tourism and Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media.

The exhibition will run at Cork City and County Archives from Tuesday 16 November 2021 until April 2022. Public access is by appointment, subject to public health guidance. Small groups are also welcome by prior arrangement.

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Thursday 18th November

NUI,Galway

Venue: online, 9.30am to 6pm 

NUI Galway Hardiman Library Archives and Irish Centre for Human Rights are delighted to invite you to a one-day international online conference on: Archives and Human Rights: Memory, Truth-Telling and Institutional Records 

The purpose of the conference is to examine key current issues regarding the ethical, legal and proper professional management of records and archives relating to institutionalisation and family separation in Ireland. Its aim is to facilitate greater public awareness of: the relevance of records access and preservation to truth-telling and transitional justice; the existing gaps in legislation, policy and practice; and human rights-based approaches to records management and archiving that might be drawn upon by civil society, records holders and policy-makers. 

For free registration and further information click here 

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Offaly Archives

Event: Official opening of Offaly Archives by Minister of State for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, T.D. with Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council.

Offaly Archives is delighted to welcome Minister of State for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, T.D. with Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council to officially open its new archives building in Tullamore. Built in 2019 by Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society to archival standards, the new building now houses, in a unique partnership, the archives of Offaly County Council and the archival collections collected over many years by the historical society, and is a testament to the community and voluntary sector's passion to preserve its local history and documentary heritage. 

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Monday 22nd November

Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)

PRONI is holding a ‘Making the Future Take Over’ of EYA week.  November marks the close of Making the Future (www.makingthefuture.eu), a collaborative project led by the Nerve Centre, in partnership with PRONI, National Museums NI and the Linen Hall Library, supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).  Making the Future has been running for over three years, during which time it has delivered a comprehensive change programme of exhibitions, cultural engagement, creativity and skills development involving more than 5,000 people from across the region and from areas of disadvantage, LGBTQ+, disabled and ethnic minority groups, and victims and survivors.

Making the Future participants have been empowered to interrogate and re-imagine objects, archives and art works from the consortium’s collections through creativity and new digital technologies. Sustained cross-community programmes have explored areas such as Decade of Centenaries, our recent conflict, representation of women and minorities in the archives, and issues around culture and identity today. The project has allowed people to have their voices heard and empowered them to create a powerful vision for future change.

Archiving COVID: Ordinary People and Stay Home Memories

Event: online 1pm

Join PRONI for a presentation exploring the experiences and memories of the COVID-19 pandemic by local people and communities that have been archived at PRONI.

Using material and insights from both our Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times engagement programme from Lockdown 1 (April-June 2020) and the Stay Home Memories project (June 2020 - June 2021), you'll get a glimpse of what we are leaving behind to tell researchers of the future what it was like to live through lockdown! For more information and to register click here.

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Tuesday 23rd November

PRONI

Researching farming ancestors in PRONI

Event: online 2pm

PRONI is delighted to host a talk by Dr William Roulston, Research Director of Ulster Historical Foundation, to mark his recent publication ‘Researching farming ancestors in PRONI’. For more information and to register click here.

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PRONI

Border Sounds: Immersive VR Experience

Event: In-person, time must be reserved

Book your place to view our immersive new Virtual Reality (VR) film Border Sounds using a full VR headset.

You will have a 20 minute slot to view the 11 minute long film and become fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the Irish Border, as told by people who live there.

This event is an in-person event at PRONI, you must book a time in advance. Click here for more information.

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The National Archives Lecture Series

‘The Irish Revolution and the making of a new world order: what the archives tell us’

Event: Online, 6pm

The National Archives is delighted to host the third online talk in our commemorative lecture series for autumn-winter 2021

 

Speakers: Dr Linda Connolly (Professor of Sociology, Maynooth University), Dr Brian Hanley (Assistant Professor in Twentieth Century Irish History, Trinity College Dublin) and Dr Fearghal McGarry (Professor in Modern Irish History, School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, Queen's University, Belfast). Moderator: Dr Patrick Geoghegan (Professor in Modern History, Trinity College Dublin) 

The 20th century was defined by the decline of empire and the emergence of new nations and social and political movements founded on principles of democracy, equality and self-government. Some of the questions arising from this seismic shift in global politics and society will ask what the historical records tell us about the way events occurring in Ireland spoke to the wider dynamics of change that were sweeping the world, from revolutionary struggles to decolonisation and women's suffrage. Also, how did Ireland's new political leadership use news and information to mobilise its population and project Ireland to a global public in the brave new world of mass media?

This roundtable will bring together a distinguished group of academics to discuss what archival records can tell us about the ideas of the men and women who built the Irish nation and how they were shaped by and within the new world that was emerging after the First World War and the Irish revolution

To register, and for more information, click here.

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PRONI

Making the Future On Screen: A Film Festival

Event: The Strand Cinema, 7pm-9pm

Changing the Narrative

'Changing the Narrative’ (60 minutes) comprises of five shorts made by local women celebrating their roles in rural South Armagh and the rich traditions, stunning landscape, and heritage in the area.

• Voices of Gullion – An exploration of language, song tradition and South Armagh’s stunning landscape.

• The Threads That Bind Us - An Insight into the rich tradition of lace-making and the pieces that bind women together across generations.

• Breaking The Mould – Meet some of the women and girls involved in a variety of sports, such as camogie, netball, hill walking and football.

• Women in Farming - Three farmers from different generations discuss the past, present and future of farming.

• ROGHA – Meet ROGHA, a collective of hand crafters and artists whose work is inspired by the unique heritage and majesty of the Ring of Gullion.

 

From the Mournes to the Rockies

From the Mournes to the Rockies: A Fantastic Journey (26 mins) provides an insight into the life of Catherine O'Hare Schubert and her incredible overland journey to the goldfields of British Columbia whilst pregnant, with three children by her side. Catherine left Rathfriland at the age of 16 in 1851 to try her luck in the New World. After living in the United States for a number of years, she joined her husband Augustus and a group of 150 men in the famous 1862 overland journey to the goldfields. Made by members of the Rathfriland & District Regeneration Co and the Rathfriland Historical Society, the film celebrates her life and her tireless campaign for education for the young.

 

The Female Eye

A series of nine shorts made by a group of women based in Co. Donegal who learned how to film and edit using their own smartphones and each created a one-minute short film on a subject of their choice, including family stories, farming, nature, and domestic violence. The workshops were delivered in partnership with the NCCWN-Donegal Women’s Network.

 

For more information or to register, click here.

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Wednesday 24th November

PRONI

Arch'ive Imagined: Artistic Responses to the Archives

Event: Online 2pm-3pm

Explore the many ways people have created artistic work inspired by PRONI's archive material.

In partnership with NI Screen and Seacourt Print Workshop , you'll see examples of art inspired by the archives and hear directly from their creators. For more information and to register, click here.

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PRONI

Making the Future On Screen: A Film Festival

Event: The Strand Cinema, 7pm-9.30pm

Everyday is a School Day

 

A series of 10 short films made by a group with varying degrees of sight loss during the Lockdown.

• The Road to the Waterfront Hall (8min) - Mark McShane recalls the experience of getting a Law Degree from the Open University.

• The School with the Pool (3min) - Stephen Strong explores the history of Finaghy Primary School, one of the first schools to have a swimming pool in Northern Ireland.

• Widening My Horizons (12min) - Liam Clarke shares his experience of travelling abroad and shows how history and culture can be important forms of education.

• Happy Memories of My Life in Downpatrick (13min) - Jacqueline McCammon explores the history and heritage of Downpatrick and shares happy memories of her life there.

• The Wee School at Crane Hill: A Kitchen Table Interview (16min) - Patricia Mcknight interviews her family about their experience of education and Knocknagor Primary School, Co. Tyrone.

• The Day Candy Came to School (13min) - Carol Bennett explores the history and shares some memories of King's Park Primary School in Newtownabbey.

• Harding Remembered (17min) - Olive Rodgers shares some memories of her time at Harding Memorial Primary School in East Belfast.

• The Influence of Art (18min) - Jim Tate recalls how his working-class background and art have influenced his lifelong learning journey.

• Ryan's Reviews of the Belfast Shipyard (18min) - Ryan McCartney presents the result of his research about Belfast's shipyard history.

• Days of Abbey Past (12min) - Anthony McKeown documents his family's experience of attending St Colman's Abbey Primary School in Newry.

 

For more information or to register, click here.

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Irish Traditional Music Archive

Drawing From the Well

Featuring singer Lisa O'Neill who gives a presentation on "Arthur Griffith - A Balad History of Ireland"

Live on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and www.itma.ie at 8.00 pm 

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Thursday 25th November

Property Registration Authority of Ireland

Reading the Deeds and Sasines: Irish and Scottish Land Records

Event: Online 11am-12pm

As part of #Explore Your Archive events, Dr. Patrick Walsh and Dr. Andrew Mackillop will give a free online lecture. Drawing on an exploratory research project funded by the Irish Research Council and the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council and conducted in collaboration with the Property Registration Authority of Ireland and the National Records of Scotland, this talk will explore the challenges of using digital humanities approaches to the vast and extraordinarily rich archives of the Irish Registry of Deeds and the Scottish Register of Sasines.  The talk will be recorded and published on the Property Registration Authority You-Tube channel.   For further information and to book, please see here.

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PRONI

In their own words: children of Victorian Belfast

Event: Online 2pm-3pm

PRONI is delighted to host a talk by Dr Alice Johnson exploring childhood in Victorian Belfast.

This original and lively talk will explore what it was like to grow up in a middle-class family in the dynamic and changing environment of a Victorian Irish industrial city. By delving into a rich archive of childhood sources such as diaries, school-work, and letters, the speaker, Dr Alice Johnson, will uncover the lived experience of middle-class boys and girls based in Belfast, and allow the Victorian children to speak in their own words.

For more information and to register, please click here.

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PRONI

Making the Future On Screen: A Film Festival

Event: The Strand Cinema, 7pm-8.30pm

Short films made by young filmmakers inspired by our archives, covering themes such as women's history, conflict, old professions and television archives.

 

Women in the Archives - Four women from our archives are brought back to life: Ottilie Patterson, Constance Markievicz, Marjorie Lyle and Eva Chichester.

Suffrage in Belfast - A compilation of shorts exploring people’s different reactions to the suffrage movement in Belfast.

Women in Armagh Gaol - two shorts exploring the history of Armagh Gaol:

A Day in the Life: The Misunderstood – Journalist Sarah Michaelson speaks to two former prisoners to find out more about what life was like in Armagh Gaol.

Teachers in Prison - Two teachers arrive for another day in the classroom, but one of the students is missing. What happened to Jennifer?

Women of the Flight of the Earls - The Flight of the Earls saw earls Hugh O'Neill, Rory O'Donnell and over 90 people leave Ireland for mainland Europe to look for help against the English. Among those who left, 17 passengers were women. They were wives, daughters, sisters, and servants. Made by 20 pupils from St Joseph's N.S. and St Garvan's N.S. Donegal, these four short films explore some of their incredible stories.

 

Youtubers - Watch what happens when a group of young YouTubers react and reimagine the UTV archives.

Tik Tokers - Watch what happens when young Tiktokers bring old professions from our archives to life

The Horror! - A series of four one-minute horror shorts made at the Ulster Folk Park Museum.

 

For more information and to register, please click here.

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Friday 26th November

PRONI

Event: Online 1pm-3pm

Our Place: An Archive for Everyone

Join for a celebration of stories that have made their way into the archives at PRONI through the Making the Future project.

This session will include performances based on letters from our LGBT stories programme, stories and recipes from Our Food, Our Place and some extra special dancing performances from some of our participants.

Places at PRONI are invite-only, these tickets are for the live-stream via zoom. The zoom link will issue one hour before the event begins. For more information and to register, click here.

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Saturday 27th November

NUI Galway

Event: Rough Beast - World Premiere, O'Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance, 7pm

Galway Music Residency (GMR) in association with Contemporary Music Centre (CMC) presents a multi-artform event marking the 1921 Centenary. The event will feature the World Premiere of Rough Beast, a new work by Irish composer Rhona Clarke for string quartet and soprano, performed by Galway’s ConTempo Quartet and Aisling Kenny. The commission takes inspiration from WB Yeats’ poem The Second Coming. The evening will also include an archive exhibition relating to Yeats, a fascinating perspective on how the political and societal turmoil of the time was reflected in Art and creativity by Dr. Adrian Paterson, as well as dramatic readings from students of Drama and Theatre Studies and an interview with the composer led by Contemporary Music Centre’s Linda O’Shea Farren.

For more information and to register, click here.

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November (All Month)

NUI Galway

Event: Exhibition, Archives and Special Collections of the James Hardiman Library

 

All Aboard!

A display of items from the Archives and Special Collections of the James Hardiman Library to celebrate the coming of the railway to Galway in 1851, 170 years this year.

 

The printed items include books used by the railway companies to encourage tourists to visit the West as well as some recent volumes illustrating the history of Irish railways and the fascination they hold for researchers.

 

Archival material is included from the Midland and Great Western Railway of Ireland, Galway General Omnibus Company, the Galway to Clifden Railway Company and the Portumna to  Parsonstown Railway Company.

 

For information contact Marie.boran@nuigalway.ie or Kieran.hoare@nuigakway.ie

 

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EYA 2020 EVENTS

Monday 23rd November

Online talk: Conservation and Collections Care: Preserving PRONIs Archives

PRONI, 2pm

PRONI’s Head of Conservation, Sarah Graham, will explain the importance of preservation and introduce the role of the conservator, showing examples of interventive treatments which have recently been carried out on collections at PRONI. Register for free here. 

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Online Lecture: Whose History? The 'Migrated Archive' and Britain's Colonial Past

The Trinity Long Room Hub, Arts and Humanities Research Institute, 7 - 8.15pm

An online lecture as part of the Out of the Ashes Lecture Series, with David M Anderson, Professor of African History Hostory, University of Warwick.

This lecture tells the story of the 'Hanslope Disclosure' and how this so-called 'Migrated Archive' came into being, what happened to it over the years in which it was secretly retained, and how it came to be 'discovered' in the midst of a human rights trial at London's Supreme Court on The Strand. Wjose history is this, and where does such an archive belong? The ansers to these questions reveal much about Britain's unease in dealing with the history of its past empire, and about the culture of secrecy that still infects British public institutions - even those that are supposed to be the guardians of our national heritage. Details here

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Online Exhibition Launch: “A Great Reformer”: The Life and Work of Dr Conolly Norman”

RCPI

This online exhibition from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland focuses on the life and career of renowned Irish psychiatrist Dr Conolly Norman. The apparent growth of insanity in 19^th century Ireland saw the building of an extensive asylum system. Upon his appointment at the Richmond Asylum in Dublin, Norman began attempting to reform the system and use his experiences to shape the future of psychiatry. The exhibition charts his early life, career and work in the Richmond Asylum, followed by his commemorations and accolades. From an epidemic outbreak in the asylum to his delivery of lectures to psychology students, Norman always tried to progress the study of mental illness. For more information see here.

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Tuesday 24th November

Online talk: A Beginners Guide to using DNA for Family History

PRONI, 2pm

Come and learn about the types of DNA test that are available, how they can help you and what you can achieve. Register for free here. 

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Wednesday 25th November 

Online talk: Putting You in The Picture: An Introduction to the UTV Archive

PRONI, 2pm

This session introduces some of the gems that have been unearthed from the vault so far and highlights how they are being used with a range of groups and organisations across Northern Ireland through outreach activity. Register for free here. 

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Thursday 26th November

Online talk: Researching Presbyterians in Ireland

PRONI, 2pm

This presentation by author Dr William Roulston will outline the range of records relating to the various strands of Presbyterians in Ireland over the last four centuries. Register for free here.

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Webinar: Exploring Lands Indexes (1708-1946) 

Registry of Deeds, 3pm-4.15pm

Booking:   https://rodlandindexes.eventbrite.ie

The Lands Indexes at the Registry of Deeds consist of over 1400 handwritten books organised by county, and then townland or street. They provide a finding aid for every deed registered between 1708-1946 at the Registry of Deeds.

For our Explore Your Archive webinar, we will be joined by three different researchers who will outline how they have used the Land Indexes in their work. Rob Goodbody will discuss how he has utilised the Registry of Deeds as a source for researching historic buildings, local history and his contributions to the Irish Historic Towns Atlas series.  Una Palic will describe her work tracing landownership in the barony of Demifore, Co. Meath from 1708-1830s.  Dr. Conchubhar O Crualaoich will demonstrate how the Registry of Deeds records have been an indispensable source for his work as a Placenames Officer in researching townlands for the Placenames Commission.

The seminar will consist of 3 x 15 minute papers followed by Q & A session with the speakers. It will highlight the richness of the Registry of Deeds Land Indexes as historical sources, aswell as providing searching tips for those who wish to undertake their own research.

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Friday 27th November 

Online talk: The Dead of the Revolution

PRONI, 2pm

This Presentation by Eunan O’Halpin which explore the recently published The Dead of The Revolution which aspires to be the Lost Lives of the period from April 1916 to December 1921, identifying a total of 2850 deaths arising from Irish political violence. Register for free here.

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Explore Your Archive is an annual campaign that showcases the best of archives and archive services in Ireland and the UK.

The campaign aims to open up the phenomenal archival collections held by organisations – public and private –  whatever their size and scale, and wherever they are.

Explore Your Archive 2020 launch week will run from 21st to 29th November. Throughout the week archives across the country will showcase their collections online, to help the public discover a piece of Irish history and culture. Watch this space for news relating to the 2020 campaign and follow us on social media to learn more.

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September 2020

EYA daily themes have been announced! Get planning and then get ready to get sharing during EYA 2020!

21/11 Communication

22/11 Home

23/11 Plans

24/11 Education

25/11 Labels

26/11 Science

27/11 Celebration

28/11 Health

29/11 Light

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EYA 2019 EVENTS

Friday 15th November

"Celebrating Siobhán McKenna Symposium"

National University of Ireland, Galway

O'Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance, 9.45am-4pm

Following the launch of the Siobhán McKenna archive at 10am, this day long symposium celebrates the life and work of McKenna, and includes panel discussions with current practitioners "Women Theatre Makers Now!" , conversations with Lelia Doolan and historian Dr Magaret McCurtain "Remembering Siobhán", an interview with Garry Hynes "Working with Siobhán" and a keynote lecture from Dr Lionel Pilkington "Siobhán McKenna: Acting and Activism". It conclused with a devised performance in Irish based on the archive, performed by students of the BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance. Click here for more information and to register.

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Thursday 21st November

Derry City and Strabane: "Exploring Archive & Genealogy Collections"

Alley Theatre, Strabane, 2pm-6pm

The Archive & Genealogy service is responsible for the preservation, interpretation and creation of access to the civic records of the Council and its predecessor, the Londonderry Corporation. Click here for more information. 

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Monday 25th November

 PRONI Workshop: "Getting Started"

 Public Records Office, Northern Ireland (PRONI), 11am-1pm

Are you interested in local and family history? Why not come along to a practical workshop at PRONI to discover the essential skills required to begin your search at PRONI. More information available here. 

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Tuesday 26th November

 PRONI Workshop: "Online resources for family and local history"

 Public Records Office, Northern Ireland (PRONI), 11am-1pm

Come along to a workshop at PRONI to find out more and improve your IT skills. More information available here. 

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"Taster Talks on Oral history"

Dublin City Library & Archive, 138-144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, 6-8pm

Each year, Dublin City Archives offers the Lord Mayor's Certificate in Oral History, which has been taught since 2013.  As part of Explore Your Archive festival 2019, previous graduates will give short presentations on their projects for the course.  Topics include: 14 Henrietta St Tenement Memories project; 1916 Remembered; using Oral Histories to inform Local Studies - case-study for Stillorgan and Chapelizod; family stories and oral history.  Come along for an evening of storytelling!

Admission free/all welcome/ beidh tae agus caife ar fáil

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 Wednesday 27th November

Lunchtime talk: "Cooking the Books"

National Library of Ireland, Dublin 1-1.45pm

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 Using "WikiTree"

 Public Records Office, Northern Ireland (PRONI), 1pm-2pm

Anne Johnston will deliver an introduction to WikiTree, a free genealogy website that maintains over 17 million ancestral profiles. More information available here.

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“From the Cradle to the Grave”: The Work of the Sanitary Officer.

Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club, Dungarvan,  8pm

A talk by J. Rothwell, Waterford City and County Archivist for Waterford County Museum Society

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Thursday 28th November

 "A Beginner's guide to using DNA for family history"

 Public Records Office, Northern Ireland (PRONI), 1pm-2pm

Martin McDowell will take you on a whirlwind tour through the  brave new world of DNA. More information available here. 

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"Roots: Tracing your Family History"

RCSI, Library Information Point, 1pm

A talk for staff and students with RCSI Archivist Leanne Harrington

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"Exploring Land, Mapping and Property Records in Ireland"

Property Registration Authority of Ireland, 2.30pm - 6pm

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 Friday 29th November

 Launch of New Online Records at PRONI

 Public Records Office, Northern Ireland (PRONI), 11am-3pm

The event will feature a series of presentations and demonstrations showcasing digitized records that will be available online. More information available here.

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Derry City and Strabane: "Exploring Archive & Genealogy Collections"

Central Libary, Derry, 12pm-4pm

The Archive & Genealogy service is responsible for the preservation, interpretation and creation of access to the civic records of the Council and its predecessor, the Londonderry Corporation. Click here for more information.

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1st-30th November

Three month-long exhibitions

Donegal County Archives

Donegal County Archives is celebrating its 20th year in 2019. As part of the celebrations for Explore Your Archive 2019 and for the 20 year anniversary, the Archives Service is touring some of its exhibitions at Co. Donegal’s public service centres and other public spaces.

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"Celebrating 120 Years of the History of Irish Local Government/ Ag ceiliúradh stair Rialtas Áitiúil na hÉireann"

The bi-lingual exhibition curated by the Local Government Archivists and Records Managers explores the history and significance of local democracy in Ireland; it is touring local public service centres and is currently (Nov 2019) in Donegal town Public Service Centre.

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"A Trek through Time: Images from Donegal County Archives/ Turas tríd an stair : Íomhánna as Cartlann Contae Dhún na nGall"

This exhibition focuses on images and stories from Co. Donegal’s history, as reflected in some of its major Archives collections. The exhibition consists of twelve panels:  Arts & the Archives; Donegal Grand Jury; The Railways of Co. Donegal; Schools & Schooling in Co. Donegal; The Joseph Murray Collection; The Workhouses of Donegal; The GAA in Co. Donegal; Exotic and Eccentric Donegal; Donegal Archives of Emigration; Maps of Donegal; Elections & the Electorate; Ladies of Donegal. The exhibition is touring the county and is currently in Milford Public Service Centre.

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‘Traditional Boats of Ireland’– The Dónal Mac Polin Collection

Boatbuilder and artist Donal MacPolin donated his entire lifework of beautiful illustrations and drawings, photographs and documentation on traditional boatbuilding, to Donegal County Archives in 2018. The County Museum in Letterkenny is currently displaying the archive of illustrations in its downstairs gallery.

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October 2019

EYA Hashtags have been announced! Get planning and then get ready to get sharing during EYA 2019!

23/11     #SweetArchives              

Share something sweet – in taste or temperament – from your collections. And yes! #Archive Cake welcome!!!

24/11     #HairyArchives                

Back by (un)popular demand – share something hairy!

25/11     #FriendlyArchives           

Are you a friendly neighbourhood archivist? Celebrate friendliness in the sector and in your collections!

26/11     #SurprisingArchives      

Share something we wouldn’t expect to see in your collection!

27/11     #ActionArchives             

From physical movement to moving image, share action-inspired archives!

28/11     #ArchivesAtSea               

If nautical nonsense is something you wish, then share your best sea-worthy archives!

29/11     #MysteriousArchives     

Sometimes being an archivist requires some real detective work. Share your most mysterious material!

30/11     #ArchiveVoices               

Amplify the many voices present in your archive by sharing examples of language, diverse voices, and sound archives.

01/12     #WildArchives                 

Share something WILD from your collections!

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"As a writer, broadcaster and academic I have drawn immense benefit and pleasure from accessing archives throughout my professional career, and would love more people to discover and embrace these wonderful assets. In a world of fake news, social injustice, and unequal access to education, archives and the professionals who work to preserve and make them accessible are more important than ever" 

EYA 2020 Ambassador Emma Dabiri

Journalist and Presenter Anne Cassin, 2018 EYA Ambassador for ARA Ireland

(Photo Credit: Marc O'Sullivan)