Clare Libraries will this week offer an array of engaging talks, presentations and exhibitions that delve deep into Clare’s past.
Clare Libraries is inviting the public to immerse themselves in a week of enlightening lectures, both online and in libraries throughout the county. This year’s programme has been curated by Terry Dunne, Historian-in-Residence at Clare Libraries.
Highlights include a focus on changing land ownership in Clare between the 1840s-1920s, with lectures by Terry Dunne on Clare’s Changing Landscape Mapped and Dora Brew’s farm in Seafield and the Revolution, screening of a documentary film online on Clare landed estates in 1923 and a panel discussion in Scariff Library on land conflict in East Clare 1852-1923.
Historian Jane O’Brien will give a talk in Ennis Library on the Industrial School for Children in Ennis and Liam Irwin will talk on Thomas J. Westropp. There will also be a series of online lectures, including Lucille Ellis speaking about Bindon Street, Kieran Hickey on Slobland Reclamation in Clare, Peter Connell on housing in Kilrush, Michael Talty on the Ordnance Survey and Joe Power on Patrick Hogan TD.
The programme also includes talks on collections in Clare Local Studies and Archives, Clare Museum and Tori McMorran will talk on Community Archaeology in Clare in the Clare Museum, Ennis. Exhibitions will be held in branch libraries in Shannon, Ennistymon, Scarriff and the Local Studies Centre in Ennis.
A nostalgic event will take place on Wednesday, October 16, entitled Memories of de Valera Library 1975-2024 as Clare Libraries prepares to say goodbye to Harmony Row and move to its new location in Ennis beside glór. All are welcome to attend to share a night of reminiscences and memories and view the accompanying photo exhibition.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Clare County Librarian, Helen Walsh, stated, “History plays a critical role in helping us navigate the present and future by providing us with invaluable insights into our roots and the events that have shaped our world.”
Senior Executive Librarian, Dolores Meaney, added, “Clare Libraries History Week gives us an opportunity to showcase scholarship related to our county and hear the voices of local historians and researchers. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a scholar, or simply curious about the past, these lectures are designed to be welcoming and accessible to all.”
Clare Libraries History Week takes place online and in-person from October 14-18. For more information, visit the History Week page.
History Week has been funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.