Inclusive Oral Heritage: Exploring Our Diverse Foundations.

Under the banner of ‘Exploring our Foundations’ (running form 16th-24th August 2025) the Oral History Network Ireland’s (OHNI’s) Heritage Week event presents, 'Inclusive Oral Heritage: Exploring Our Diverse Foundations,' a FREE event that uncovers the incredible value of oral history for understanding who we are, our culture and society.

Our speakers will take us on a journey to understand the value of oral history and reminiscence for dementia care and to explore the richness of Cork's historic Jewish community's stories. We will access firsthand accounts of persons with prison experience in Ireland as well as the rich oral and cultural heritage of convents, key features of our Irish towns and cityscapes. We will see how oral history is central to digging into the stories of our past, both troubling and joyful, that enable us to understand who we are today.

Cathryn O'Leary will discuss the powerful role of reminiscence and storytelling, particularly for people living with dementia.

Dr. Oisín Wall shares insights from his work, which uncover the stories of the prisoner-driven rights movement through oral history and other means.

Ruti Lachs will share insights from the oral history interviews collected during her work with Cork's historic Jewish community, explaining more about the testimonies and spoken memories gathered.

Dr. Danielle O'Donovan will discuss her work on the Convent Heritage Project, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the project's research and the opportunities as well as the challenges of gathering oral testimonies.

Tuesday 19th August 2025
2pm-4:30pm
This event is free of charge to anybody across the wider community who would like to attend, although registration is required via EVENTBRITE link due to limited spaces.