Schools Competition 2010
Local history is now part of the primary school curriculum and each year I am amazed by the great work being done in primary schools to promote it; so here is an opportunity to use that good work, if the topic suits.
This year there are a number of topics to choose from and I hope there is one that will suit what you are planning to do.
Emigration
Sport
Historic Buildings
Bridges
Railways
Graveyards
I hope there is one of these that may be of interest to you. I have included some local and online sources, which may be of benefit if you undertake to produce a project.
There are 3 elements to the competition:
- A folder of information, which is sent to be judged in or around May 3rd.
- A display stand on the judging/presentation night ... May 12th
- The judges will chat to each group for about 15 minutes also on that night ... May 12th
Schools Competition Results, 2009
Results and pictures for the 2009 Schools Competition can be found here
Resources
Local Libraries across Donegal can be a valuable source of information and guidance. Staff are knowledgeable and helpful and some libraries have an excellent local studies section.
Central Library, Letterkenny
- Bernie Campbell is in charge of the 'Local Studies' section which is an invaluable
collection of pamphlets, offprints, newspapers, photographs, microfilms, cds, etc.
dealing with the history of Donegal.
- Donegal Democrat on microfilm
- Complete set of Donegal Annuals
Buncrana Library
- Derry Journal on microfilm
- Copies of Donegal Annuals
- Local studies materials relevant to Inishowen
Donegal Town Library
- Local Studies section focusing on the south of the county
Leabharlann Phobail Ghaoith Dobhair
- Local Studies section concentrating on the Gaeltacht area and Gaelic culture.
County Archives
The county archives in Lifford contains a wide range of material relevant to the history of the County. It is run by Niamh Brennan, County Archivist and appointments are necessary to view materials. Some examples of the type of materials available are: Oral history tapes, postcards, Valuation Registers, Roll books, photographs, maps, District Inspector's reports, Local election registers, Local ballads, Labourers' cottages, Workhouse registers, School records, County Council and UDC minutes as well as rural district Councils 1898-1925.
Baptisimal Records
Ulster American Folk Park
Good information on emigration from this area and some of this material is available online.
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
National Library of Ireland
Online Resources
Links to records, books, census and valuation returns connected to Donegal.
Gives details of Facilities in Donegal libraries.
Since almost all 19th century census records lost for Ireland this detailed valuation is the most important guide to where people lived in the 19th century. Carried out between 1848 and 1864 it shows names, townlands, how much land area each person owned, who it was leased from, value of buildings etc. It has a map of each area and the original pages and it is now free online.
Dates to Remember...
Try to return entry forms by then if you are interested in taking part to allow us get some idea of numbers.
I need the completed Folders by this date in order to allow the judges time to examine them
Presentation Night in Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey. Judging of stands could begin anytime from 1 o'clock on depending on the number of entries and presentation of prizes from 7pm
Contact me if you have any queries:
Pat Shallow, Royal and Prior School, Raphoe, Co. Donegal
Work: (074)9145389 - Home: (074)9368133 - Mobile: (087)7712087
Email: shallow.pat@gmail.com