Friday 4 May 2012

Questions and answers

Fancy a 10% discount to FindMyPast UK? The 10% discount offer for new subscriptions to Find My Past UK expires at on Sunday night, so if you were planning on signing up to assist some in-depth research, don't delay. Just follow this link and type in APRSUB10 in the promo box in the left column of the sign-up page.

Institutional madness?
The proposed merger of the National Archives of Ireland and the Irish Manuscripts Commission into the National Library of Ireland got another airing this week after some months of silence. In response to a Parliamentary Question, Jimmy Deenihan, Minister for the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, said: "Clearly, the amalgamation and merger of these bodies raises complex issues, which my Department is currently examining. In that context, the views of the various interested parties are being noted and considered. The artistic and curatorial autonomy of each of the institutions is, of course, a major consideration in this regard. My Department has established a high-level Reform Committee and is liaising with the various bodies with a view to implementing the Government’s Decision in these matters as effectively and efficiently as possible. I expect to be reverting to Government on progress made in relation to this process by end-June of this year."

So you've always wanted to be a graveyard tour guide?: Glasnevin Cemetery will be holding a two-part Tour Guiding workshop this month, starting on Sunday 13 May at 3pm. The first workshop will cover customer service techniques, presentation, delivery, content, group management and body language and will conclude with a short guided tour of the cemetery and the allocation of a research subject ie a personality buried in Glasnevin to each participant. At the second workshop, on Sunday 27 May at 3pm, participants will present their own guided tour of the cemetery to members of the museum team and their own family and friends. Cost €6.00 per person. Booking essential.

Who, Where, What, When, Why?: PRONI will be exhibiting at the Balmoral Show, King's Hall, Belfast, from 16 May to 18 May. Staff will be available in the Government Departments Exhibition in Balmoral Hall to give advice on PRONI's archives and resources and how these can help answer your family and local history questions. The Show is open to the public from 8.30am - 8pm daily. Admission charges apply.