Declaration of Arbroath Family History Project Exhibition

An exciting event for the 700th anniverary year of the Declaration of Arbroath:

Declaration of Arbroath Family History Project Exhibition

The exhibition will display biographies, genealogical charts and coats of arms of 16 individuals associated with the Declaration, as well as information on another 33 'signatories.' It will also present the findings of genetic genealogy research, using DNA test results and documentary evidence. The aim is to find living descendants of the 'signatories' who knew nothing about their medieval ancestry, and discover how DNA can reveal more about these unknown ancestries.

The research is being carried out by staff and postgraduate students of the University of Strathclyde's Genealogical Studies Postgraduate Programme and is funded by the Foundation for Medieval Genealogy.

(Source: https://arbroath2020.com/events/declaration-of-arbroath-family-history-project-exhibition/)

For more on the University of Strathclyde's Declaration of Arbroath project visit www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/centreforlifelonglearning/genealogy/declarationofarbroathresearch/

Chris

Order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. and Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Scottish-Ancestry-through-Church-and-State-Records-Paperback/p/16848. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

The Men Behind The Glass Exhibition at PRONI

Details of a talk and exhibition at PRONI (www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni) on Tuesday 20th August 2019:

The Men Behind The Glass Exhibition

PRONI is delighted to host a lunchtime talk on the Men Behind the Glass exhibition and project on 20 August, 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm.

PRONI will be hosting a travelling exhibition curated by Campbell College this summer. The exhibition features many former Campbellians including First World War participants such as Lieutenant Edmund De Wind VC. Subjects include, Pre-War Campbell, life at Campbell, Campbellians at War, Campbell’s Contribution and Commemorating. The exhibition will be on display from 19 August to 27 September.

(With thanks to Gavin McMahon)

Chris

Order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. My next Scottish Research Online course starts 2 September 2019 - see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

August events at PRONI in Belfast

The following events are forthcoming at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni):

Dr Raphael Ernest Grail Armattoe: The West African Scientist in 1940s Ireland
5 August, 1-2pm

Elly Omondi will explore the legacy of Dr Armattoe, his pioneering contribution as a West African immigrant, his work as a locum doctor in Belfast, as a GP in Derry~Londonderry, and his lasting work on anthropology as a science.
Book tickets via http://www.eastsidearts.net/event/dr-raphael-ernest-grail-armattoe

East Belfast and the Blitz
6 August, 1-2pm
The presentation will focus on the people from East Belfast who died during the German air raids of 1941, and on public and family commemoration.
Book tickets via http://www.eastsidearts.net/event/east-belfast-and-blitz-nigel-henderson

Women in the Archives
7 August, 1-2pm
Lynsey Gillespie and Jason Burke will explore hidden stories from the archives of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland and the Linen Hall Library.
Book tickets via http://www.eastsidearts.net/event/women-archives-lynsey-gillespie-and-jason-bourke

The "Wee Yard" and the Great War
8 August, 1-2pm
This presentation marks the 100th anniversary of the Workman Clark war memorial which is now located at the Pumphouse in the Titanic Quarter. The presentation will provide a wide-ranging account of the involvement of the Workman Clark shipyard and its employees in the First World War.
Book tickets via http://www.eastsidearts.net/event/wee-yard-and-great-war

'Men Behind the Glass' Exhibition
From 19 August
The exhibition will be on display in the PRONI atrium and will run from 19 August until 30 September.
Further details via https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/talks-and-events

(With thansk to the PRONI Express)

Chris

Pre-order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) for just £11.99 at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Scottish Enlightenment exhibition to open at National Library of Scotland

From the National Library of Scotland (www.nls.uk):

National Library to launch major exhibition on Scottish Enlightenment

A major exhibition exploring the Scottish Enlightenment, Northern Lights, will open at the National Library of Scotland on Friday 21 June.

The exhibition takes a fresh look at one of the most concentrated periods of intellectual enquiry the world has ever seen, a time when polymaths peer-reviewed, challenged and encouraged one another's work through the many social networks available to them.

Household names connected with the Scottish Enlightenment such as David Hume and Adam Smith feature in the exhibition, as well as other figures less commonly associated with it such as Robert Burns and James Watt. A rare first edition of Encyclopaedia Britannica will be on display, as will a first edition of Smith's 'The Wealth of Nations' and countless unique manuscripts.

National Librarian, Dr John Scally, said:

'We have an unparalleled collection of items relating to the Scottish Enlightenment. Indeed, some of the chief figures of the Enlightenment such as David Hume and Adam Ferguson worked at our predecessor institution, the Library of the Faculty of Advocates.

This exhibition tells the story of those who helped shape the world we live in today. These individuals developed radical ideas on theology, the sciences, economics and identity, amid a growing awareness of the world around them.

The exhibition celebrates 18th-century Scotland as a place of enlightened discourse and debate. It was a time of mutual respect and politeness, where people appreciated each other's opinions and values, and further developed their theories on the basis of such conversations. Some may find this of great contrast to the present day, where people are less inclined to expose themselves to other ideas.

We present the world as it was then, and we are in prime position to do so given we were actively collecting items relating to the Enlightenment during the Enlightenment itself. We welcome those whose appetite is whetted by the exhibition to explore these ideas further at our reading rooms, and we will also be examining this period with a contemporary lens in our programme of talks and events.'

Northern Lights is curated by Robert Betteridge, Curator of 18th-Century Printed Collections, and Ralph McLean, Curator of Manuscripts for the Long 18th Century. It explores the Scottish Enlightenment through the display of rare books and manuscripts from 18th-century Scotland, and is grouped into themes: pre-Enlightenment Scotland, moral philosophy and religion, social science and academic innovation, language and literature, art and architecture, science and medicine, and sociability and society.

Northern Lights opens to the public on Friday 21 June and runs until 18 April 2020 at the National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW. Entry is free.

(Original news release at https://www.nls.uk/news/press/2019/06/enlightenment-exhibition)

Chris

Pre-order Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (2nd ed) for just £11.99 at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-Family-History-on-the-Internet-Paperback/p/16483. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Blitzed: Liverpool Lives exhibition

From the Museum of Liverpool (www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk):

BLITZED: LIVERPOOL LIVES
80 years on, Museum of Liverpool captures the devastation and resilience of local people during the Blitz in rare photographs.

Displaying up to 60 photographs taken by Liverpool City Police from 1940 –1941,a free new photography exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool reveals the devastation the Blitz brought to the lives and city of Liverpool. Through personal accounts, this exhibition brings to life the impact of the war through the eyes of those directly affected by the bombings.

The Port of Liverpool and surrounding areas were key targets for German bombers. In Merseyside, an overwhelming 4,000 civilians were killed, 10,000 homes destroyed and 70,000people made homeless.

Liverpool itself suffered the second highest number of civilian deaths in air raids in the countryand due to censorship, press reports often didn’t tell the whole story.

At the heart of this exhibition is the people of Liverpool; those affected by the Blitz – their memories, struggles with the aftermath and how they rebuilt their lives. The display will feature audio interviews and written memories of carrying on in the face of a terrible onslaught.

Kay Jones, Curator of Urban Community History comments:

“Seeing these striking images of desolation alongside the experiences of people who were there really brings home what this city and its people went through. They reveal many stories of personal tragedy but also the incredible resilience of local people.

The legacies of these bombings can still be seen and felt in the city today.They also remind us of ongoing conflict around the world and the continuing terrible human cost”.

The exhibition will be divided into three key themes: City centre and shops; Homes and neighbourhoods and Industry, docks and transport.

Visitors will be invited to share their own memories and reactions to the photographs. Selectedresponses will be displayed alongside the photographs.

Sensory elements will also enable visitors to experience wartime aromas and hands-on tactile images.

Recording scenes of Liverpool in its darkest days, this exhibition showcases some of the most impactful photographs, epitomising the human consequences of war.

Exhibition is open from 14 June 2019.

@MuseumLiverpool/ #BlitzedLiverpool

(With thanks to Sahar Beyad)

Chris

My next Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course starts May 13th 2019 - see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. For my Scottish and Irish themed books, visit https://britishgenes.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

New exhibition at PRONI - In Her Words

The Women in the Archives team will be hosting a new exhibition at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni) this week.

In Her Words is a unique exhibition that brings forward the voices and experiences of unseen women, written by them in their own words, found in diaries and letters held by PRONI.

The exhibition will launch this Thursday with talks by curator Lynsey Gillespie and Bronagh McAtasney, the woman behind the twitter @NrnIrnGirl1981, about the importance of diary writing and women’s own history.

(With thanks to Lynsey Gillespie at PRONI)

Chris

My next Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course starts May 13th 2019 - see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. For my Scottish and Irish themed books, visit https://britishgenes.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Exhibition: Voices and Votes - Suffrage and the Representation of the People, 1832-1928

A new major exhibition coming to PRONI (www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni) in Belfast:

Voices and Votes: Suffrage and the Representation of the People, 1832-1928

The exhibition explores the history of suffrage from a local perspective, particularly the struggle for women’s representation, and includes unique archival material which highlights some of the people who championed change.

A range of educational resources will also be launched on the day, including an interactive resource featuring archival material relating to the suffrage movement, a graphic novel exploring the lives of Countess Constance Markievicz and Edith, Lady Londonderry, and a 2.5D animation charting the history of the suffrage movement.

The event will also see the first public performance of a new drama production from Kabosh Theatre Company, featuring a fictional meeting between Edith, Lady Londonderry and Countess Constance Markievicz.

Dr Margaret Ward, Queen’s University Belfast, will deliver a keynote lecture, ‘Winning the Vote: Suffrage in Ulster’.

Additional information

PRONI opening hours and getting here
DATE: Monday 2 July, 10.00am-1.00pm
LOCATION: PRONI, Titanic Quarter, Belfast
Admission is FREE, however booking is essential. Register for this event at Eventbrite
LUNCH SERVED from 12.30pm
For further details, please visit the PRONI website

(With thanks to PRONI)

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

June's PRONI stakeholder forum meeting in Belfast

On Friday 1 June 2018 I attended the latest Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni) user forum meeting in Belfast. Upon arrival I was greeted by Stephen Scarth, who handed me a copy of the new Plantations of Ulster, 1640-41: A Collection of Documents guide, which has been reprinted and updated, and which I will review separately – suffice to say, the smile on Stephen's face and on everyone else who received a copy was well warranted!

The meeting started with a demonstration of PRONI's contribution to the Conflict Archive on the Internet (CAIN) web platform. This is a platform which has been up and running for a few years now, and which is essentially an official record of The Troubles, with documents from governments north and south, and in England, concerning the last 40 years. Access to PRONI's contributed records is available through the CAIN archive's website at http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/proni/index.html. On 10 MAY 2018, some 500 document records from 1988-89 and earlier were added, some 2200 pages of content, following the latest 20 year release of government papers, covering politics, security, the economy, Harland and Wolfe, the Irish language, education, social issues, health, and much more, including the talks at the time about ending the conflict. The archive presents the records in thematic areas or by annual listings (though not chronologically within a year), and contains a fascinating insight into our Troubled society at the time. There was some very Sir Humphrey type language in parts, with phrases such as 'spotting icebergs' used in one document to mean unexpected items coming their way, etc!

Another topic discussed was one that might be of interest to Northern Irish folk who experienced life in the Troubles, the possible establishment of an oral history archive, as posited in the 2014 Stormont agreement. Such an archive will need to be established by legislation, and so a consultation is currently under way, which closes on 10 SEP 2018. The consultation is online at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/addressing-the-legacy-of-northern-irelands-past.

We then had an update on recent acquisitions. These include papers relating to PACE (Protestant and Catholic Endeavour) from 1992-2018, a single volume from 1919 containing an inventory of household goods belonging to Robert Young (of Young and Mackenzie architects), and 121 diaries of a Major Henry John Furnace Potter covering 1941-2000 – though sadly, most of us who were in the room will never likely see them, as they have a 50 year closure on them, as requested by the family.

On cataloguing, the Londonderry Papers have had more work on them including records relating to the Women's Legion from the 1930s and 1940s, and Mount Stewart estate papers from 1933-35. PRONI's efforts to digitise recently borrowed Anglican and Methodist records has now been completed for this year – for more on this, and a summary of all digitised records that can be accessed on site at PRONI (including those added last year), see http://britishgenes.blogspot.com/2018/06/new-digitised-northern-irish-church.html. The records will be available through PRONI's on site catalogue from autumn.

On the exhibitions front, Northern Lights: A Century of Design by Young and Mackenzie Architects kicks off on 7 June, with a lecture on site at 1pm by Paul Harron, and after finishing a stint in PRONI the exhibition will then travel across Northern Ireland. There will also be a Spanish Flu conference at PRONI at 2pm on 14 June 2018.

The big event for this year will be the Voices and Votes: Suffrage and Representation of the People 1832-1928 exhibition, commemorating the 1918 Representation of the People Act centenary which extended the vote to women for the first time. We had a sneak peak at parts of the exhibition, which launches on 2 July 2018, and which will look at the legislation, who championed the change, the early experience of women, suffragists and suffragettes, women, class and war, reform, equality, and much more. The exhibition panels will also include QR (Quick Response) codes for attendees to engage with on their mobile devices, lining to other websites and more. In addition, an exciting addition to the Spatial NI website will see an interactive map with links to documents and stories at various locations across Northern Ireland linked to the fight for the vote. There will also be a graphic novel launched to illustrate the stories of Lady Edith Londonderry and Countess Markiewicz, which will tie in to the key stage 3 of the Northern Irish schools curriculum. There will be a few other events and releases tied into the exhibition, so keep an eye on the PRONI website for more details!

A further exhibition in the works is one on prisons in Northern Ireland, from bridewells to the present day, mostly dealing with the late 19th and early 20th century.

On publications, as well as the new Plantations of Ulster, 1640-41: A Collection of Documents reproduction, PRONI is currently working on a re-invention of its former Steps to Partition facsimile pack, for release in September. The exact format of this is still being worked on, but there may be two versions, one for school use, and one in more depth for a more general release.

Finally from the meeting, PRONI is still working on being Northern Ireland's first accredited archive, and made its submission in March, with assessors visiting the archive in May. Good luck to the archive, the best in the UK as far as I'm concerned!

After finishing the meeting, I made my way to the search room, and kept bumping into folk, including Michael Rooney from Ancestor Network, and a couple called Alex and Nancy who heard me give a talk in Toronto three years ago, and who are active members of the Toronto branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society. Requisite selfies were duly acquired...!

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

Sleepwalk to Slaughter, and other Cork exhibitions

This popped up on my Facebook account earlier - a link to a series of online exhibitions run by Cork City Libraries concerning Cork, the Great War, the Decade of Centenaries, and beyond.

Amongst the virtual exhibitions running are:

• Sleepwalk to Slaughter: Cork, Ireland and the Great War
• War is Women's Business
• The Poets Rising: 1916 and Irish Literature
• "While the Mad Guns Curse": Writers and the Somme
• Europe's last Summer: The World Before World War 1 in Books and Magazines

To access the presentations, please visit http://www.corkcitylibraries.ie/servicesandprogrammes/historytoblame/virtualexhibitions/. Enjoy!

Chris

For my genealogy guide books, visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html, whilst details of my research service are at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. Further content is also published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES.

London Metropolitan Archive - June events

Some forthcoming events at London Metropolitan Archives:

The Londoners - portrait of a working city, c1447-1980
Exhibition runs until 5 July 2017

Hundreds of thousands of faces - images of born Londoners and more transient visitors - are preserved forever in our collections.
Winners, losers, the famous or the forgotten, countless Londoners have been recorded as they went about their work in the capital.
From studied portraits to casual snapshots, from 15th century drawings to recent colour photographs, the archive brings them all together and presents them as the history of our capital city.

Free - during normal LMA opening hours.

The Londoners: Exhibition Tour with the Curator

Join us for a tour of our current exhibition of images of Londoners. Encounter artists and aldermen, loungers and labourers, at home, in the street, or in the studio.

Free - drop in sessions will be running on the following dates:

Thursday 8 June, 6 - 6.30 pm.
Tuesday 13 June, 1 - 1.20 pm.
Thursday 22 June, 1 - 1.20 pm.


A visit to Conservation
Thursday 22 June, 2 - 3 pm.

Meet members of the Conservation team and find out about the essential work which preserves our records for future generations.

Free - booking essential.


Deciphering Old Handwriting (Advanced)
Thursday 15 June, 5.30 - 7 pm.

This practical session gives expert help in reading different types of handwriting from the 16th and 17th centuries. You will practice with copy documents from LMA's collections and get tips for deciphering early historical writing. Some experience of reading historical documents is required.

£8 - booking essential. See https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/deciphering-old-handwriting-advanced-tickets-32619444637


Making the most of your trip to LMA

Every month, we run a selection of training sessions for LMA users to enhance your research. Whether you're new to archives or a seasoned visitor, you may still find these sessions useful!

We run sessions most months on the following topics:

• Getting started at LMA
• Handling documents
• Family History starter sessions
• Understanding old handwriting

LGBTQ History Club
Wednesday 7 June, 6 - 7.30 pm.

A regular monthly meeting to explore lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual and queer histories.

Keep up to date with the programme here: www.facebook.com/lgbthistory.


Photography and Film in the Archives Group
Tuesday 20 June, 5.30 - 7.30 pm.

Join us for a monthly series of talks, document viewings and discussions about photographic archives, collections and histories.

Free - drop in session.


More details on the above, plus further events, are outlined at http://mailchi.mp/cityoflondon/may-events-at-london-metropolitan-archives-812969

Chris

My next 5 week Scottish Research Online course commences Sept 11th 2017 - details at https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102.
For details on my Scottish & Irish genealogy guide books, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.
For my genealogy research service, please visit http://www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk.

Latest National Archives of Australia news

The latest news bulletin from the National Archives of Australia (www.naa.gov.au) is now available online at http://email.synergymail.com.au/t/ViewEmail/r/99F954168C522A8B2540EF23F30FEDED/A1D5F02068EAF9FB3EDEEDC46EB9B960.

The newsletter includes:

Details of the archive's latest exhibitions, Facing Two Fronts: the fight for respect and Indigenous Australians at War from the Boer War to the Present,

Information on three travelling exhibitions - A Place to Call Home? Migrant hostel memories, the Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach; A Ticket to Paradise?, the Newcastle Museum; and Without Consent: Australia's past adoption practices, Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga

News of two forthcoming talks in Adelaide - South Australian lighthouses, and Inventions that changed the world – or didn't.

(With thanks to the NAA)

Chris

My next 5 week Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course commences May 15th 2017 - details at https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Beginner's Guide to British and Irish Genealogy, A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Who Do You Think You Are Live axed

I'm just a few hours from an election in which I am standing as a candidate, but I've just heard the news that Who Do You Think You Are Live has been axed. Immediate Media, the organisers, have described the show as "running at a considerable loss".

For ten years the show was the UK's premier family history event, and it will be sorely missed. I was unfortunately not able to make it to this year's event due to the election campaign, but have many fond memories of the previous years, having attended all but the first event.

For more on the announcement of the closure, visit http://www.whodoyouthinkyouaremagazine.com/news/wdytya-live-close-its-doors.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Beginner's Guide to British and Irish Genealogy, A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Memory of a Nation exhibition in Canberra

The National Archives of Australia  has announced news of an update to its Memory of a Nation exhibition in Canberra:

Sex education, Chinese Anzacs, Advance Australia Fair and CWA activism are some of the new topics on show in our refreshed Memory of a Nation exhibition.

Every year we update this permanent exhibition, replacing selected exhibits to ensure their ongoing preservation.

The exhibition now includes posters warning of the dangers of venereal disease at a time when the government feared the infections coming back with World War II soldiers would cause infertility in the community and limit population growth. However a letter from the Department of Health shows it was still reluctant to introduce sex education in schools in 1943.

And we look at Chinese Anzacs. During World War I, five sons enlisted from the Sam family. With a white Australian mother and a Chinese father, the sons were seen as ‘sufficiently European’ to serve overseas with the AIF. At the same time, their young brother Percy and father William needed to travel to China and came up against the White Australia policy.

Other new exhibits show the 11-year journey for Advance Australia Fair to replace God Save the Queen as the country’s national anthem and a fresh look at the Country Women’s Association and its political activism.

For more on the archive, please visit www.naa.gov.au

Chris

My next 5 week Scottish Research Online course commences Feb 21st 2017 - details at http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Beginner's Guide to British and Irish Genealogy, A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Forthcoming events at London Metropolitan Archives

Some forthcoming events at London Metropolitan Archives (https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/Pages/default.aspx):

City in the Blitz - walking tour

Thursday 29 December , 11 am - 1 pm.
On 29 December 1940 the City of London was subjected to one of the most intense bombing raids of the Second World War. This walk retraces the sequence and focal points of the raids, and the personal stories and heroism of the people involved.
Meet outside St Paul’s Tube Station (by exit marked to Cathedral).
Led by Chris Everett, CityHighLights.
£10 - booking essential.
Book your place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/city-in-the-blitz-tickets-26943199836


Queer Time; Queer Place; Queer Action: Sexualities and LocalitiesConference
Saturday 3 December, 9 am - 5 pm
The 14th LGBTQ History and Archives Conference will be created with the involvement of the Raphael Samuel History Centre and the Sexualities and Localities project (a collaboration between Birkbeck College and Leeds Beckett University).
£15 / £10 concs. (includes lunch)
Find out more and book your place https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/queer-time-queer-place-queer-action-sexualities-and-localities-tickets-26943527817


London’s Baking! Bakers, Cakes, Bread and Puddings from 1666
Exhibition runs until 1 February 2017
Taking its inspiration from Thomas Farriner and his bakery, the starting place of the Great Fire, this exhibition tells the story of London’s bakers from 1666 to the 20th century. Discover recipes (to take away and bake!) for almond cakes c1700, suet puddings c1850 and questionable school puddings from the 1970s.
Free - during normal LMA opening hours.
Find out more at https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/news-events/Pages/londons-baking.aspx


Make the most of your trip to LMA
Every month, we run a selection of training sessions for LMA users to enhance your research. Whether you're new to archives or a seasoned visitor, you may still find these sessions useful!
We run sessions most months on the following topics:

• Getting started at LMA
• Handling documents
• Family History starter sessions
• Understanding old handwriting

Find out which events are coming up at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/new-visitors-to-lma/


Workshops and classes

Writing and Presenting Your Family History
Thursday 1 December, 2 - 4.30 pm
This workshop offers ideas and approaches to writing your family history using different styles and media, from creative scrapbooks to a basic website. Feel free to bring in work in progress. Think about how you want to present your work. Will it be a book, an illustrated magazine, a strip cartoon or an album?
£10 - booking essential
Book your place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-and-presenting-your-family-history-tickets-26943219896

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Beginner's Guide to British and Irish Genealogy, A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Great Fire of London anniversary events

Some events at London Metropolitan Archives (http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/london-metropolitan-archives/Pages/default.aspx) to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London:

London’s Baking! Bakers, Cakes, Bread and Puddings from 1666
Exhibition runs 30 August 2016 - 1 February 2017

Taking its inspiration from Thomas Farriner and his bakery, the starting place of the Great Fire, this exhibition tells the story of London’s bakers from 1666 to the 20th century. Discover recipes (to take away and bake!) for almond cakes c1700, suet puddings c1850 and question
able school puddings from the 1970s.

Free - during normal LMA opening hours.


Exhibition tour with the curator
Thursday 22 September, 6 - 6.30 pm

Join us for a tour through baking in London from the 17th to 20th centuries. Starting with the Great Fire, see how London’s baking develops over the centuries, including important London firms such as Birch and Birch and J Lyons and Company.

Free - drop in session


The Great Fire of London
Friday 30 September
10.30am - 4pm

Commemorating its 350th anniversary, this event will focus on the impact of the Great Fire on St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and the role the hospital played in rebuilding the City.

The day comprises talks, document viewings, and an afternoon walking tour. Morning presentations will be supported by the findings of recent excavation works carried out by Museum of London Archaeology.

£15 - booking essential.Further details and booking via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-great-fire-of-london-tickets-26900139040

Chris


For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

New 1916 exhibition at the Ulster Museum

From today the Ulster Museum in Belfast is hosting a new Heritage Lottery Fund funded exhibition entitled The Corr Family: Witnessing History, which looks at the lives of five brothers and sisters from the city's Ormeau Road, as they separately experienced aspects of the First World War and the Easter Rising in 1916.

The Irish News has the story, along with a photo gallery, at http://www.irishnews.com/news/2016/07/27/news/different-roads-taken-by-family-during-1916-to-be-focus-of-new-ulster-museum-exhibition-624202/.

The Ulster Museum has a story on the exhibition also at http://nmni.com/um/What-s-on/Current-Exhibitions/The-Corr-Family--Witnessing-History.

The exhibition runs from Wednesday 27th July until Tuesday 23rd August 2016.

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

PRONI commemorates the Somme

From the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (www.proni.gov.uk):

The Battle of the Somme

To mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, PRONI has released a composite panoramic photograph of the Somme battlefield. Stitched together from more than a dozen individual photographs, this image shows a 120 degree angle shot of German positions opposite the British Lines. The photographs were taken by an Irish officer serving in the Royal Artillery and they show villages, trenches, woods and other points of interest that the British army would be attacking. It is available to view on the PRONI website at www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni. (See https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/somme-panoramic-video or view below - Chris)

Explore other talks series and recently added videos on our website. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/proni-youtube

Or explore our full video archive on our dedicated Youtube channel!
https://www.youtube.com/user/PRONIonline


Exhibitions

PRONI is currently hosting its First World War exhibition to mark the centenary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme. The exhibition uses documents contained within the PRONI archive to provide an insight into what life was like for those who lived through the War. Items such as letters from the soldiers at the front, trench maps and recruitment posters provide a snapshot into key aspects of the war such as the home front, the battle of the Somme, the war at Sea and the role that women played in the war effort.

Libraries NI will be touring PRONI’s travelling exhibition on Constance and Eva Gore Booth entitled ‘Con and Eva’. This will be going to Armagh Library in July and then on to various other libraries over the following months.

(With thanks to the PRONI Express)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Book launches and maritime research at PRONI

Forthcoming events at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni):

Ulster Society of Irish Historical Studies (USIHS) Lecture
PRONI are pleased to host the Ulster Society of Irish Historical Studies Beckett Lecture on the 9th June at 6pm. This will commence with a wine reception at 6pm followed by the Beckett lecture at 6.30pm delivered by Professor Robert Armstrong

Book Launch
Launch of ‘Titanic: Culture and Calamity’ by Dr John Wilson Foster at PRONI on 21 June 2016 at 1pm. Foster shows how the great ship as a vast symbol entered Western art, drama, poetry, fiction and film, as well as popular culture and folklore. Belfast writer, GlennPatterson, co script-writer of Good Vibrations will the launch the book. John Wilson Foster is a freelance writer and literary critic and an honorary research fellow at Queen's University Belfast. He has published three books on RMS Titanic.

Temperance Conference
23 June 2016 - Half day conference in conjunction with Open University Ireland on the theme of temperance and alcohol will be held in PRONI on 23rd June starting at 1.30pm. Speakers will include: Annemarie McAllister, Conor Reidy, Orfhlaith Campbell, Gillian McIntosh, Leanne McCormick and Maura Cronin.

Lunchtime Talk to conclude the showing of the Sailortown Maritime Exhibition.
On 24th June, the last day of the Sailtortown Maritime exhibition, PRONI will host two events to round off this survey of the sea-going people of Belfast. Firstly, Dr Desmond McCabe will supplement the work of Mr Snook with a short lunchtime talk on ‘The Forgotten Fishermen of Belfast Lough, 1680 to 1900’. This body of fishermen was made up of a group of trawler-men from Carrickfergus, who were among the earliest working such vessels in the British Isles, and groups of line-fishermen from most of the villages on the Lough.

Secondly Mr Snook will attend PRONI during the afternoon of the 24th June in order to give genealogical assistance to anyone who may have had an ancestor in the merchant marine in the early 20th century. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to get specialist advice from someone who knows this aspect of nautical genealogy inside-out!

Book Launch
PRONI would like to extend an invitation to the launch of John Wilson Foster's book ' Titanic: Culture and Calamity’ by Dr John Wilson Foster on 21 June 2016 at 1pm. Foster shows how the great ship as a vast symbol entered Western art, drama, poetry, fiction and film, as well as popular culture and folklore. Belfast writer, Glenn Patterson, co script-writer of Good Vibrations will launch the book. John Wilson Foster is a freelance writer and literary critic and an honorary research fellow at Queen's University Belfast. He has published three books on RMS Titanic.

Customer Notice:
There are two disabled parking spaces available to Blue Badge holders free of charge opposite to the main entrance to PRONI. In addition, there are sixteen parking spaces on Titanic Boulevard which are pay and display to all, including Blue Badge holders.

(With thanks to PRONI)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Australian history and genealogy expo 2016

From Unlock the Past (www.unlockthepast.com.au):

Announcing the Australian history & genealogy expo 2016 a major event for all history, genealogy & heritage enthusiasts

Adelaide, South Australia, 25 May 2016 - History and genealogy company, Unlock the Past, invites all history, heritage and genealogy enthusiasts to attend its 8th history & genealogy expo. It will be held in Adelaide over two days, Friday and Saturday 7–8 Oct 2016, at Immanuel College, Novar Gardens, SA.

The 2016 expo is the first ever national expo in Australia. It will appeal to anyone interested in family, local and social history and heritage in South Australia especially, but to all Australians.

It is a unique opportunity to see many societies, libraries and commercial product and service suppliers in one place and to learn from the presentations offered. The exhibition will feature about 70 exhibitors from several states covering a wide range of history, heritage and genealogy interests. Hear 30 expert presenters from five states and New Zealand. The expo is also an opportunity to mingle and network with other like-minded attendees and people who have been working in the industry for many years.

We are fortunate to have two eminent historians to head our extensive program of presentations.

Professor Philip Payton is a leading international authority on Cornish history, the Cornish in Australia, Cornish emigration and Australia and the First World War. Dr Tom Lewis, OAM, is an Australian author, military historian, editor, and former naval officer. A further 30 others, many recognised nationally and internationally, will add to the program which will feature

• 12 main theatre feature presentations
• 25 classroom presentations
• 50 short FREE mini-theatre product demos, tutorials, etc.

Other features include one-on-one consultations with experts, special offers from some exhibitors and over $2000 in prizes from expo exhibitors and sponsors.

Pre-booking will be encouraged with extra benefits, but expo entry and talk bookings (if not booked out) will be available on the day as well.

“We have organised seven previous expos and over 90 other events in all eight Australian states and territories and some overseas. This expo will be our largest event. With a large number and variety of exhibitors and a wide ranging program of presentations by some of the leading presenters in the history, genealogy and heritage fields in Australia and New Zealand, it should be something special for all Australians with history, genealogy and heritage interests” – Alan Phillips, Unlock the Past

“Attending family history expos is an excellent way to hear fantastic speakers in the one venue plus visit and talk with a range of vendors, purchase books and other genealogy resources as well as meet other family history enthusiasts or catch up with old friends. A two day event makes it just like a conference and worth any travel and accommodation if you don't live in Adelaide. Who can resist a one stop genealogy experience?"

– Shauna Hicks, historian, genealogist, speaker and author – and impetus for the launch of Unlock the Past in 2009

For more information, including speakers, exhibitors, program and online bookings visit the expo website:

http://www.unlockthepast.com.au/AustralianExpo2016

Join us at the 8th Unlock the Past Australian History & Genealogy Expo
– you won’t be disappointed –

About Professor Philip Payton - leading international authority on Cornish history, the Cornish in Australia, Cornish emigration and Australia during the First World War.

• Professor of History, Flinders University
• Adjunct Professor, National Centre for Australian Studies, Monash University
• Hon. Fellow (FAHA) Australian Academy of the Humanities
• Emeritus Professor of Cornish & Australian Studies, University of Exeter
• former Commander, Royal Navy (for 12 years)
• author of numerous books on
• the Cornish - internationally with some specific to Australia
• Australia in the Great War
• other historical topics
• frequent lecturer at conferences, cruises and other events

About Dr Tom Lewis, OAM - Darwin based military historian, author, editor, speaker
• consultant military historian
• former naval officer
• author of 13 books, many on northern Australian history in WWII
• led two military museums to new success
• Royal Australian Naval College Historical Collection in Jervis Bay
• Darwin Military Museum, where he was Director for five years
• in popular demand on radio and TV, appearing in several documentaries
• Military Historian on The Territory Remembers 2017, commemorating 75 years since the first attack on Darwin
• awarded the OAM in 2003 - and other service decorations

About Unlock the Past

Our parent company Gould Genealogy commenced 40 years ago. Unlock the Past started in 2009 and Is
• a specialist genealogy publisher, currently with
o over 70 guide books in both print and ebook editions – covering Australia, international andmiscellaneous topics
o 28 authors from Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK and Scotland
o licenced international printers/distributors in the UK and north America

• a special/major events organiser - nearly 100 events since 2010, including o 8 expos in 4 states
o 13 history & genealogy cruises - from Australia, New Zealand and the UK
o Australia’s first ever national battlefield tour—to NT 2012
o numerous seminars & roadshows with leading national/international presenters

Contact: Alan Phillips, Unlock the Past, (08) 8263 2055 or 1300 526 069 (cost of a local call) email: alan@unlockthepast.com.au web: www.unlockthepast.com.au

(With thanks to Alan)

Chris

For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

Sailortown maritime exhibition in Belfast

Also from PRONI (www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni), news of a new exhibition launch and talk in Belfast:

Monday 6th June, 1pm – PRONI is pleased to announce that David Snook will be launching his Sailortown Maritime exhibition as well as giving a talk on The merchant seamen of Sailortown, Belfast, 1918.

The is a fascinating exhibition of photographic identity cards, relating to merchant seamen from Sailortown working in home and foreign trade about 1918, with a talk exploring the administrative context of the ID record cards and the unique possibilities offered by the source in the making of family history for people with roots in a storied part of Belfast.

The Topic of Sailortown has proved to be very popular recently within PRONI so we would suggest reserving your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Chris

My next Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course starts Monday 17th May - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.