LOCAL HISTORY TALKS PROGRAMME AT WICKLOW TOWN LIBRARY LAUNCHED BY THE LIBRARY SERVICE
Wicklow County Council Local Studies Service has launched its annual Local History Talks Programme with a series of engaging events taking place which will explore the rich history of County Wicklow. Designed for history enthusiasts, local residents and visitors alike, the programme will feature a range of talks and presentations on the stories of the people and places and events that shaped the county.
Each month, one of Wicklow’s most respected historians will visit Wicklow Town library branch to present a talk on an aspect of the county’s heritage. The first event takes place on Thursday 24th October at 7pm with historian John Goodman’s talk ‘Wicklow People in WW2’, which explores the experiences of Wicklow men and women, the casualties and the survivors of the conflict.
Admission is free, however seating is limited. Places can be reserved by emailing Wicklowlocalstudies@wicklowcoco.ie or contacting 0404 67025.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul O’Brien said: "These local history talks are a great way for community members to engage with our shared history. Our region is rich in stories that deserve to be told and heard. By bringing people together to learn about the past, we hope to foster a greater appreciation for our heritage and a stronger sense of community."
For those interested in researching their family tree, Wicklow County Council Library Service offers free access to valuable online genealogical resources, helping individuals explore historical records and newspapers without the need for costly subscriptions.
Findmypast, the world's most comprehensive Irish family history website, provides online access to birth, marriage, and death records, census data, military records, prison records and much more from Ireland, the UK, USA and beyond.
The British Newspaper Archive provides online access to thousands of newspaper titles from the British Library's collections with strong coverage of many historic Irish newspapers including the Wicklow News-letter, the Wicklow People and the Bray People. These digitized newspapers provide a window into the lives of everyday people, historical events, and cultural changes, offering invaluable insights for genealogical research. Access to both of these resources is available for free from any Wicklow Library Service branch.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman stated: “The library creates wonderful opportunities for people to connect and explore their local history in a friendly and relaxed environment. By granting free access to Findmypast and the British Newspaper Archive, individuals can now uncover rich, personal stories that connect them with their ancestors and bring history to life. These online resources offer a unique opportunity for genealogy enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone curious about their family’s past to dive deep into their heritage.
For more information about upcoming talks, visit the Wicklow Town Library branch events page on www.wicklow.ie, or follow the Wicklow Libraries team on social media.