Local Voices, National Memory: The Irish Folklore Commission & The School’s Collection Exhibition

As part of Heritage Week 2026, Westmeath Libraries present a small exhibition focusing on the history of folklore preservation in our country, through the specific lens of the Irish Folklore Commission and the School’s Collection. Heritage Week’s theme this year is ‘Heritage at Risk’, and what better way to explore that idea than through an organisation that was at the vanguard of safeguarding beliefs, legends, customs and stories that are a part of our national identity.

This display details its beginning in the Gaelic Revival context, important personalities in its history, and unexpected international connections which helped shape its methodologies. With local Westmeath samples from the invaluable School’s Collection 1937-1939, we hope this exhibition will highlight the organisation’s vital work in preserving our culture.