Wicklow Local Studies Service, along with Coláiste Chill Mhantain secondary school, is excited to announce the launch of ‘The Past in My Place,’ an exhibition of local history projects completed by second-year history students as part of their Junior Certificate curriculum. This marks the second year of this initiative.
The exhibition aims to provide a platform for students to showcase their work while highlighting the fascinating history of the people, places, and events that have shaped County Wicklow. It celebrates the diverse heritage of the school's students and features over 40 displays on genealogy and local history, ranging from the history of the Jameson family, sawmill owners from Rathnew, to the ancient Eastern Chinese city of Fuquing.
This event is part of the broader Local Studies Schools Programme, which seeks to engage students in exploring the history of their community. The initiative connects local schools with the library’s extensive local studies collection to foster a deeper understanding of local heritage and its impact on the present. Through this program, students from both primary and secondary schools have the opportunity to visit the local studies library in Wicklow Town, where they can view and handle historic photographs, books, maps, and newspapers.
Schools also benefit from curriculum-aligned resources that assist students and teachers in completing their Class-Based Assessment (CBA). These resources include activities for historical document analysis and tailored support for educators. Recently, class sets of these resources have been distributed to all secondary schools in the county.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul O’Brien, stated, “An exhibition like this provides an excellent opportunity for students to connect with their local area and explore their own history. Learning about local and family history can strengthen their sense of identity; instill pride and belonging, and foster deeper connections with their surroundings and community.”
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, commented, “This exhibition showcases the vital role that local schools and libraries play in discovering, preserving, and celebrating our county’s rich heritage and cultural legacy. By bringing local history out of the classroom, we hope to inspire a new generation to appreciate their local heritage and develop key research skills.”
The exhibition was launched in the Exhibition Space at Wicklow Town Library on Friday, April 4th, and will be available for viewing until 27th April 2025.