Speakers List

The Workhouse system in Ireland/Ulster, public health in 19th-century Ireland/Ulster, women in 19th-century Ulster, the Famine in Ulster, horrible histories of Belfast, pregnancy & childbirth through history, women in WW2

Battle of Saintfield (1798) & Growth of Orangism Crossgar history

All these talks are available FREE of charge Bespoke Second World War in your area based on local oral history collections. Voices from the War Memorial: The Belfast Blitz Voices from the War Memorial: Americans in Ulster during the Second World War Voices from the War Memorial: Rationing & Smuggling during the Second World War Voices from the War Memorial: Visitors to Northern Ireland during the Second World War

Ulster Unionist campaign against Home Rule William F Massey Ulster Scots and America NI Election 1921-1972 Landed Families of North Londonderry Hon Irish Society Londonderry Plantation Limavady

WW1, WW2, Ulster Crisis, Siege of Londonderry, Northern Ireland and the early years, B Specials, Williamite Wars in Ireland

Ancient folklore, haunted places. History of Carrickfergus Castle.

Talks are mainly focused on aspects of the 1798 Rebellion in Ulster. Topics include: Informers and intelligence in the years before the rebellion; The United Irishmen, Defenders and popular loyalism; leading personalities such as Samuel Neilson, Henry Joy McCracken and Henry Monro; the development of the United Irishmen in Belfast 1791-98; the Battles of Saintfield and Ballynahinch; the United Irishmen in County Down. Montalto and its History Prisoners, Escapes and Executions - Down County Gaol 1831-91

Blue Plaques of the Maiden City Famous and Forgotten Sieges of Derry Shirt Factories Heritage

Newry Canal history Newry's links with trans Atlantic slavery Life of James Blair from Newry merchant and slave holder

Any topic related to the railways in Ireland from their origins to the present day, both standard and narrow gauge or industrial. Talks can be general or focused on a particular company, line(s) or even station. As founder member of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, there are talks on all aspects of the Society''s work including Whitehead Railway Museum.

The Untold History: Northern Ireland and the Cold War Takabuti and her times: the unwrapping of Ireland’s first mummy ‘Half sunk a shattered visage lies…’ Once celebrated citizens of Belfast, now forgotten 'No tolerance of undeserving rank and splendour': the wit and satire of Gilbert & Sullivan 'This is the room from which I will direct the war': Churchill and the Cabinet War Rooms The war that no one wanted: the Origins of the First World War ‘This is not a peace. It is an armistice for twenty years’: the origins of the Second World War

The Gribbins of Ulster Belfast Literary History Ulster Theatre History

Carrickfergus During the Second World War. The story of early football in Carrickfergus, and the subsequent history of Carrick Rangers Football Club 900 Years in the Making - Carrickfergus.

The Life, Loves and Letters of Brigadier Nelson Russell of Lisburn J L Stewart, grocer entrepreneur A 'Conn' trick: the O'Neill chair of Castlereagh Fred Crawford, Carson's gunrunner Ulstermen and women in India Samuel Kelly: coal merchant and philanthropist The Carrickfergus Gaol Conspiracy of March 1838 Campbell College and the War in the Air Campbell College in World War 1 and World War 2 Field Marshal Sir George White VC Turner Macan: Persian Interpreter to the Commanders-in-Chief in India Arthur Moore: traveller, adventurer and leading war journalist The Betrayal of Sir Otto Jaffé

My Journey in Ulster Scots: exploring the history, heritage and culture of the Ulster Scots tradition [Broadcaster and TV presenter Dr. David Hume takes the audience through his Ulster Scots heritage and what it means to him] Border Scots: a look at the unique history of the Reiver Clans on the Scots Marches and in Ulster A History of Irish Newspapers [Drawing on the history of newspapers and his own experience as a print journalist, David Hume provides an entertaining and informative delve into the pages of the past...] Fairy Bullets and Horses Heads: exploring folklore and superstition in Ulster Haunted History: scary stories and the unexplained Cross Atlantic Cousins: a look at Ulster's American Connections [From Pioneers to Presidents, this talk gives a summary of our strong connections to the United States] Far from the Green Fields of Erin: Ulster emigrant stories from across the world The Loss of the MV Princess Victoria in 1953: Northern Ireland's worst maritime disaster Tangled strands: Protestantism and Radical Politics in Ulster, 1798-1912 [a look at a formative period in modern Irish history] Fraternally Yours: examining the history of fraternities in Ulster [includes Loyal Orders, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Masonic, Good Templars, Ancient Order of Free Gardiners, Oddfellows and others] Remarkable Ulster folk: exploring the stories of figures from history including explorers, businessmen, writers, artists and others The Aul Leid in Amerikay: Ulster Scots in American Literature [using detailed research on Ulster words, characters and writers including Dr. James McHenry and John Steinbeck] Amazing Ulster: history, geography, people and events making us a unique place [an entertaining talk covering a wide variety of subject matter] Averse to History: a presentation with poet Davy Moore of poems from the past and about the past Family Hands: weaving threads in the fabric of history. [A talk about how family artefacts connect to history, including quilts, carpentry, writings, art, and even houses...]

Having worked as Education Officer for the National Trust In Castle Ward , Shirley learned of the life of Mary Ward. Mary Ward (1827-1869)- Shirley gives an illustrated talk focusing on a personal perspective on her diaries- Mary Ward was the first wife of Henry Ward, later 5th Lord Bangor, Castle Ward, Co Down. Mary was an artist, entomologist, microscopist, author, naturalist and astronomer. Shirley gives a series of talks or one longer presentation on the Jewish Refugee Farm in Millisle , Co Down ( 1938-1948), and links to the Holocaust. These include reflections on the experiences of refugees who passed through the Farm in Millisle and other areas of Northern Ireland. The people include: Walter Kammerling ( short 12 minute film available for showing as part of the talk) Edith and Gert Jacobowitz, the Kohner family and Rachel Levy. During 2025 she worked with her local Presbyterian Women’s group on a research and craft project to mark 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. Her illustrated talk can focus on this project and how it reflected the experiences of some refugees who passed through a farm in Millisle. The special candleholder created can be on display.

1 Carrickfergus- 900 years in 90 mins 2. 'In the footsteps of the Faithful'. - a wander through the spread of Christianity in Carrickfergus through the ages.

1798 United Irishmen and your area.

President Grant Albert Cashier James Irwin

I can provide a humerous and light hearted activity. It consists of mostly funny local stories, poems and recitations. With some local light hearted songs and music as well. There is some participation for the audience too.

The History of the Transport Museum Motor Makers in Ireland Some Transport Museums in Europe

Magherafelt Workhouse - history of the buildings, regime, people, disease, mortality and cemeteries Earl Grey Famine girls - 1847 scheme to send teenage girls from workhouses in Ireland to Australia. Includes names of girls from your local area. The Giant gene in Mid Ulster - Background to the gene in the area. Famous giants from Loup/Magherafelt area who made headlines in London. Featuring Charles O'Brien who was displayed in the College of Surgeons museum London since 1780.