Our History

By Averil Staunton

About Us

The Ballinrobe Archaeological and Historical Society was initially set up by Averil Staunton as a result of the conclusions reached in a MA Thesis.

The lack of primary material at a local source, with easy access, was contributing to a loss of so much information about the local community, and the surrounding areas. It was felt that action was needed to remedy this, and a project to start, create and develop a Digital Archive was initiated with the slogan 

                      "Capture it before it disappears".

Partnership

Following contact with the National Museum, Country Life, Castlebar, Co Mayo, Averil Staunton participation in a pilot project on developing a Community Archive.

The Museum provided training in setting up this Community Archive and one of their requirements was the formalisation of an agreed Constitution for interested groups.The Ballinrobe and Historical Society (BAHS) was founded: 

President, Mr. Gerard Delaney, South Mayo Family Research Centre

Treasurer, Mrs. Mary Farragher, Ballinrobe Library

P.R.O. Mr. Liam Horan  

Chairperson & Secretary- Mrs. Averil Staunton

The Ballinrobe Digital Archive will provide a blueprint and example of how this can be carried out, to international best practice standards elsewhere in Ireland.

Aims of the Society

1. To provide a platform for the creation and recording of a Digital Archive of Ballinrobe.

2. To enable the community to record and share their heritage through an interactive web site.

3. To provide trained personnel to assist with this project and in due course to train others to continue and add to this Archive.

4. To promote understanding, tolerance and respect between generations and between diverse ethnic, social and cultural communities.  Many people of all ages, educational background and diversity could enjoy this project and its outcome.

5. To bring people together through history mornings, meetings and lectures in due course.

Benefits of sharing or joining in

The identified benefits of participating in this project are social, educational, cultural, creative and potential for health and possible economic development locally.  

Features of the site

A unique feature is this Digital Archive will be its interactive facility. If somebody would like to add a story, a memory, a copy of a document, a piece on their favourite place, person, sporting activity or event to the site it is easy. 

There are video instructions available under "Your first visit". 

Every piece of data will be very welcome as this is an opportunity to “Capture it before it disappears forever.”

email - ballinrobehistorysite@gmail.com