· "A Decade of Commemorations 1912 - 1922 The role of Local Authorities" at the Seanchai- Kerry Writers Museum on Friday 27th September 2013.
Friday, September 27th - Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, will this morning address a conference on the Decade of Commemorations.
This conference - "A Decade of Commemorations 1912 – 1922 The role of Local Authorities" - will explore the role of local authorities in marking key events in Irish and international history at a local level. It will also identify how communities can participate in this landmark decade through organising events or undertaking research relating to their own local history.
The Decade of Commemorations (insert date) programme will mark the milestone achievements of an extraordinary period in Irish history. It provides us with an excellent opportunity to increase public knowledge of the period, and to also focus on the development of access to historical records and primary sources from the time period. The opportunity exists for local and national cultural bodies to bring forward a series of exhibitions and public discussions, and to also work with stakeholders from representative bodies and the community and voluntary sector to facilitate commemorative initiatives.
Today's conference will involve panels of experts dealing with topics ranging from the work of the Commemorations Expert Advisory Group, the Century Ireland Project, to schools initiatives and local history networks. The conference also involves the participation of representatives of local authorities and community groups
Speaking in advance, Minister Deenihan commented "What we want to achieve from today's deliberations is it that local authorities will engage the Decade of Commemorations. I hope that they will then seek ways to get involved, and to share, co-produce and engage with as many other entities as possible to make the Decade of Commemorations in their respective areas.
"The Decade of Commemorations is something that we can all share in, regardless of our background or location. My aim is to mark the events of this historic period in a tolerant, inclusive and respectful way. I hope that today we can encourage local authorities to get involved and to help in the delivery of projects and activities which will be of interest to, and enjoyed by, the public"
The objective of the seminar is to encourage local authorities. and historical and community groups, to seek out potential areas and ideas for commemorations and to co-operate and co-ordinate their efforts with as many entities as possible to produce an overall programme.
Speakers and Panellists at the seminar include:
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Members of the Commemorations Expert Advisory Group - Dr Martin Mansergh, Sinead McCoole, Francis Devine and Gabriel Doherty
Catriona Crowe, the National Archives
Representatives from the Military Service Pension Archival Team
The Century Ireland Project
The Department of Education and Skills
Ray Yeates, Dublin City Council
Ends/