Press Release
Community Archive Groups
National Museum of Ireland
Ballinrobe Historic Calendar 2012
The sales of the calendar fund the hosting of the historical Ballinrobe website. All work on site is voluntary.
Latest news on Ballinrobe's successful link with Museum
By National Museum of Ireland
Since 2009 the Education & Outreach Department of the National Museum of Ireland have been working with community groups to collect, preserve and make accessible their local histories online. Each group has developed a website designed to encourage active participation from a global audience. The formal launch will showcase the work of communities from Oughterard, Co. Galway, Ballinrobe and Louisburgh/Killeen, Co. Mayo
The network groups
Oughterard is the first of the groups to digitally catalogue their collection of many thousands of items. Work on this will continue for the foreseeable future. You can view the catalogue via http://www.oughterardheritage.org/
Ballinrobe http://www.historicalballinrobe.com/ continues to blaze a trail with the use of new media technology such as historical maps and trails downloadable via free apps. to your smart phone.
The Louisburg-Killeen website went live only recently and will continue to expand their archive. All the groups will be engaging with their local schools in the coming year and hope to bring on board new volunteers.
The Oughterard Culture and Heritage Group was formed four years ago to collect, archive and share our local history. With the backing of the local community we are now one of the leading groups in the country that are digitally sharing our heritage.
Our Irish Heritage portal
As part of the project the Education & Outreach Department are launching a website http://ouririshheritage.org/ on the 11th November, 2011.
This website will feature articles from across the sites and will provide information and advice on creating a Community Archive.
Anyone with an interest in their local heritage has an opportunity to contribute to this website which we hope will eventually reflect the local history of the island of Ireland.
Groups and organisations that would like to promote cultural and heritage events on this website should contact the Education & Outreach Department.
For more information contact Lorna Elms Education & Outreach Department on 094 90 31751 or educationtph@museum.ie