Friday 11 November 2011

Community archive network launches

A new site, officially launched today by Tommy Graham, the editor of the excellent HistoryIreland magazine, is looking for contributions that showcase local Irish heritage, traditions, beauty and history.

Our Irish Heritage (www.ouririshheritage.org) is the main gateway to a network that will, in time, archive the observations, memories, photographs, research and opinions of communities across the island. Its network so far consists of just three communities: Historical Ballinrobe, Louisburgh and Killeen Heritage (both from Mayo) and Oughterard Heritage, from Galway.

'These communities are, in effect, writing their own histories by tapping into local collections, family photographs, reminiscence, local newspapers and publications, church records abd so much more,' explains the site.

Some of the articles already published:
  • A rural childhood in the 1950s.
  • Lace Making in Oughterard
  • Sticks for the Reek (Pathé News footage)
  • Máméan Pilgrimage
It's a well-presented site, with some lovely photos, and well worth bookmarking as it grows.