PRONI events in Belfast for first week of April

Details of forthcoming events at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (www.proni.gov.uk) next week:

On Wednesday 2nd at 1pm, a new series of PRONI Staff Talks in the context of the battlefields of the American Civil War. Brett Irwin from PRONI Private Records will reveal the experiences of Irish emigrants who had moved to America in search of a better life, only to find themselves caught up in the throes of a bloody civil conflict. Many of these emigrants recorded their experiences in letters home to loved ones: many of which are now held by PRONI. Brett will illuminate these fascinating and often stark stories in his talk, Irish voices from the American Civil War. Further details on this lecture series can be found at www.proni.gov.uk/index/exhibitions_talks_and_events/talks_and_events/exploring_your_archives_in_depth_further_insights.htm

On Thursday 3rd at 6:30pm there's an evening dedicated to the study of the former Maze/Long Kesh prison site. Dr. Laura McAtackney was the chief archaeologist of the only independent survey of the site before it was almost totally cleared. Come to PRONI to learn of the tales of everyday prison life that Dr. McAtackney uncovered in her work. Further details can be found here: http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/exhibitions_talks_and_events/talks_and_events/an_archaeology__of_the_troubles.htm

Finally, on Friday 4th at 11am Belfast Civic Trust’s ‘The Story of Belfast’ exhibition will be officially opened at PRONI. PRONI’s Ian Montgomery will deliver a presentation entitled, “Improving Belfast? A glimpse of Belfast in 1911”, to examine what the inner Belfast community was like prior to the dramatic social, political and constitutional changes that lay ahead. This will be followed by an illustrated overview of the Belfast Civic Trust by Chairperson David Flinn. The Trust is a registered charity focused on the celebration of the city’s built and natural heritage. This talk shall act as a useful introduction for anyone interested in unlocking the story of their own community. http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/exhibitions_talks_and_events/talks_and_events/the_story_of_belfast.htm

Admission to all of these events is FREE, but booking is essential. Please contact PRONI to reserve your place, either by email proni@dcalni.gov.uk or by telephone 028 90 534800.

(With thanks to Gavin McMahon)

Chris

Time to find your inner Irish...! All the best online Irish genealogy resources can be found through my book Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet - in print and ebook formats. "Very useful, makes me wish I was Irish!" - Saint Patrick, patron saint.