Successful Talk by Michael Smith on Ernest Shackleton-A Legend of Antarctic Exploration
On Wednesday February 27th we were delighted to welcome back Michael Smith to talk to the Waterford County Museum Society on Ernest Shackleton-A Legend of Antarctic Exploration
Michael gave a wonderful talk as usual to a very appreciative audience which included the Abbeyside Boys Scouts Troop. The boys were very interested in what he had to say, and when Michael opened the floor to a question and answer session, they showed great enthuasiasm and knowledge on the subject.
Michael's previous books, provided by Easons, were on sale on the night.
Easons also sponsored a voucher for a raffle, congratulations to the lucky winner.
Michael is currently researching a biography of Ernest Skackleton.
Michael gave a wonderful talk as usual to a very appreciative audience which included the Abbeyside Boys Scouts Troop. The boys were very interested in what he had to say, and when Michael opened the floor to a question and answer session, they showed great enthuasiasm and knowledge on the subject.
Michael's previous books, provided by Easons, were on sale on the night.
Easons also sponsored a voucher for a raffle, congratulations to the lucky winner.
Michael is currently researching a biography of Ernest Skackleton.
Michael Smith addressing his audience
Michael Smith signing a copy of his book
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Abbeyside Boy Scouts
Jim Shine, Mary Giblin, Eddie Cantwell and Michael Smith
Joanne Rothwell Talk
Our next talk will be given by County Archivist, Joanne Rothwell and has the intriguing title "Love, Lies and Lithographs" on Wednesday 20th March in the Town Hall at 8pm.
Baltinglass Students
We recently had a visit by a large group of students from Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow. The reason for their visit was to use the App to explore the history of Dungarvan. The audio trail allows the listener to explore the 1000 year history of the town, it features an interactive map, GPS and 38 photos.
Students from Scoil Chonglais
Emigration Exhibition
WATERFORD PEOPLE ABROAD -THEIR STORIES IN LETTERS, DIARIES AND PUBLICATIONS
To mark The Gathering Waterford County Museum are mounting an exhibition which aims to tell the story of the emigrant experience as told by Waterford people using a selection of correspondence. Using letters, diaries, newspaper extracts etc., we will focus on a sample of county Waterford people who settled abroad. Each of the stories provide an insight into what life was like for the emigrant travelling to, settling in, and living and working in their adopted country.
If you have any letters, postcards etc,sent from relatives abroad please contact us at the Museum.
Ernest Shackleton Talk
We would like to remind you of our Ilustrated talk on A legend of Antartic Exploration, Ernest Shackleton by Michael Smith.
Wednesday 27th February at 8pm Town Hall Theatre, Friary St Dungarvan.
Subscription €5
Tom Graves R.I.P.
We were sadened to hear of the untimely death of Tom Graves of Ealing, London, recently. Tom was a great supporter of the Museum and followed its development over the years. He made a number of donations including photographs he had taken. In fact one of his photographs, that of Mrs O'Neill of the Coolnagour Dairy was the highlight of our main exhibition last year for many visitors.
Tom was from Knockenpower, Ring and was very proud of his roots. Last year Tom and his sister Rita very generously presented their father Seán's 1916 medal to the museum. We were delighted to have this important addition to our Irish history section. Tom was looking forward to the 1916 commemoration events, but sadly it was not to be.
Seán Graves and fellow Ring man Liam Reagan worked for Donal Ó Buachalla in Maynooth. Ó Buachalla brought Graves and Reagan with him to the G.P.O. in Dublin on Easter Monday 1916. Seán escaped from the building through a tunnel. He returned to Maynooth but was arrested soon after. He was sentenced to two years labour but was released after three months.
He worked in London in the publishing business and retired a few years ago from Weidenfeld & Nicolson where he was involved with picture research. He was particularly interested when books with an Irish historical theme were being published by the firm. In recent times he worked with the Bridgeman Art Library, one of the largest picture archives in the world, founded by Harriet Bridgeman.
Tom was also a volunteer looking after the organic garden at Ealing Abbey.
Tom had a great sense of humour and was always well turned out and never appeared to look his age. We extend our sympathy to his sister Rita and his brother Tony in the U.S. and also to his extended family.
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.
Nicolas Ó Gríofain, William Fraher, Rita Curran, Tom Graves and Eddie Cantwell at presentation of 1916 medal
An illustrated talk on Sir Ernest Shackleton
An illustrated talk by Michael Smith on Ernest Shackleton will take place in the Town Hall Theatre, Friary St, Dungarvan on Wednesday 27th February at 8pm. All are welcome.
Subscription €5
Subscription €5
The Kildare born Shackleton lived life "like a mighty rushing wind" and was happiest in the ice where he could leave behind his complex private life. Away from his expeditions, Skackleton's life was generally restless and unfulfilling. In his search for rapid pathways to wealth and security, he launched many business ventures and other money making schemes, none of which prospered. His financial affairs were generally muddled; he died heavily in debt. Upon his death, he was lauded in the press, but was thereafter largely forgotten.
Michael Smith is no stranger to resurrecting heroes of the past who have been forgotten with the passage of time. After bringing Tom Crean to the attention of the world, he quickly followed up with a number of best sellers dealing with other Irishmen who have braved the Antarctic. This time he has set his attention on another Irishman, Ernest Shackleton. Michael tells us that this will be a very frank account of Shackleton's life.
Michael is a good friend of the Museum and we are delighted to welcome him back. This is an occasion not to be missed and the author will be available for questions after his talk.
The Endurance
Michael Smith
Donation of Model Ship
Last Friday 25th January,Waterford County Museum were delighted to welcome Mr. Donal Moloney and his family to the Museum. The Moloney family were important 19th century merchants in Dungarvan with a large corn store on Davitt's Quay and a shop on the Main Street.
The family had many ships including The Lady Belle, Harvey, Peri and the Catherine Ellen. Donal presented a model of the ship Harvey on long term loan to the Museum which will be on display as part of our special maritime exhibition in early May.
The family had many ships including The Lady Belle, Harvey, Peri and the Catherine Ellen. Donal presented a model of the ship Harvey on long term loan to the Museum which will be on display as part of our special maritime exhibition in early May.
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Mr. William Fraher, Mr.Kieran Moloney & Mr. Donal Moloney |
Minister's Visit to Waterford County Museum
Last Friday, January 18th, we had a visit from Minister Joan Burton. The Minister met the Fas staff and was very interested in the work they are involved in. The Curator of the museum, William Fraher gave her a tour of the highlights in the collection.
Minister Burton said she was most impressed with the professionalism of the presentation and commented on the fascinating number of people associated with this area and west Waterford, including Ernest Walton, Sarah Purser, Arland Ussher, Robert Boyle and so on.
The Minister also met the Museum President, Páraig Ó Cuirrín and John Walsh, Chairman of the Fas sponsor committee.
The Minister commented on her museum visit on RTE radio, and described it "as one of the best small museums in Ireland".
Minister Burton said she was most impressed with the professionalism of the presentation and commented on the fascinating number of people associated with this area and west Waterford, including Ernest Walton, Sarah Purser, Arland Ussher, Robert Boyle and so on.
The Minister also met the Museum President, Páraig Ó Cuirrín and John Walsh, Chairman of the Fas sponsor committee.
The Minister commented on her museum visit on RTE radio, and described it "as one of the best small museums in Ireland".
Minister Joan Burton & Mr William Fraher
viewing the new Dungarvan Guide Book
Minister Joan Burton, Ciara Conway TD,
William Fraher & Cllr. Ger Barron
Minister Joan Burton, Ciara Conway T.D.
Phil Prendergast M.E.P
Waterford County Museum - The Gathering
Waterford County Museum would like to wish all our members and friends a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
The Gathering 2013
On Wednesday 16th January 2013 in conjunction with the Gathering, William Fraher will give an illustrated talk titled "An Emigrant's Tale" by Patrick McGrath 1812-1894.
Patrick McGrath was a stonemason who was born in Youghal and later set up his business in Dungarvan. He emigrated with his family from Dungarvan to Saint John, New Brunswick in 1847 during the Famine. The family prospered and eventually settled in Quincy, Massachusetts. One of the children, Mary Elizabeth marrried Doctor Blake. She became a well known writer/poet in the Boston area.
To hear this fascinated story in full, come along to the Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre on Wednesday 16th January at 8pm. Entry Fee €5.
All are welcome
The Gathering 2013
On Wednesday 16th January 2013 in conjunction with the Gathering, William Fraher will give an illustrated talk titled "An Emigrant's Tale" by Patrick McGrath 1812-1894.
Patrick McGrath
Patrick McGrath was a stonemason who was born in Youghal and later set up his business in Dungarvan. He emigrated with his family from Dungarvan to Saint John, New Brunswick in 1847 during the Famine. The family prospered and eventually settled in Quincy, Massachusetts. One of the children, Mary Elizabeth marrried Doctor Blake. She became a well known writer/poet in the Boston area.
To hear this fascinated story in full, come along to the Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre on Wednesday 16th January at 8pm. Entry Fee €5.
All are welcome
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