Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society will facilitate a second series of lectures on the skills needed to conduct local research with particular emphasis on the sources available in Westmeath.

The lectures commence on Wednesday 6 October at 8pm and continue each Wednesday until the final lecture on 3 November. A very interesting series of topics covering some of the core areas of interest for  local historians has been arranged by the Society. The first lecture on 6 October will be delivered by Dr Sylvia Turner who has carried out extensive research in Ireland and has a special interest in family history. Her lecture will explore the sources the local historian can explore from the internet.

On 13 October, local historian  Dr Eugene Dunne will look at the sources available to those interested in the land question in Ireland with a focus on the Westmeath story particularly during the nineteenth century. Dr Mary Shine Thompson examines how the historian might use the work of poets and writers to reveal what life was like here in times past. The works of writers such as Brinsley Mc Namara, James Joyce John Broderick Dean Swift, Oliver Goldsmith and who keenly observed the local customs and practices will be analysed in what promises to be a fascinating insight into a neglected source for local history. Our final lecture will be delivered by Dr Paul Gosling on 3 November.

See here for more information.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.