The Irish Genealogical Research Society’s annual Genealogy Open Day held in Dublin on Saturday, 24th May was a roaring success. Over the course of the day there were almost 90 in attendance of which sixteen enrolled as new members.
John Grenham explaining Irish land divisions.
The annual event, held each May at the Dublin City Library & Archive, Pearse Street, Dublin, regularly attracts a good-sized, lively and attentive audience. This year saw the largest number in attendance yet with standing room only from the first lecture. It was followed by a Q&A session during which the speakers fielded questions on their subject. The most popular subject was the General Register Office, which saw John Grenham answering queries on the best way to access data and the frustration that the GRO indexes have not yet appeared on the Arts & Culture Department’s website www.irishgenealogy.ie.
Perry McIntyre speaking on Irish female orphans who migrated to Australia
The four high profile speakers were:
- Dr Mary Clark, Dublin City Archivist, : Stories from the Great War; The Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association Archives;
- Hugh Comerford: A Most Patriotic Volunteer – The Online Military Service Pensions Collection and the Genealogist;
- Dr Perry McIntyre: Single Female Emigration to Australia 1830-1840: Including Famine Orphans;
- John Grenham MAPGI: Why you Can’t Find Your Ancestors Online Even Though You Know They Are There.
Perry McIntyre, Hugh Comerford and John Grenham fielding questions.
Attached is a digital copy of the Speakers’ handouts and in addition here is a link to Dr McIntyre’s website Irish Famine Memorial which lists names and details of approximately 5,000 Irish girls who migrated to Australia during and shortly after the period of An Gorta Mor, the Irish Famine.
