Oral histories

There has been a wonderful trend in recent years of collecting emigrants’ oral histories. Many of those contributing their memories are elderly, and these books, films and websites are an invaluable record of the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people, many of whom have extraordinary stories. Know of any other oral history projects? Drop me… Continue reading Oral histories

“I Only Came Over for a Couple of Years” records experience of London Irish

Yet another oral history project detailing the experience of elderly Irish emigrants has come to your correspondent’s attention. “I Only Came Over for a Couple of Years”, a documentary that was completed in 2005, is now available on DVD from the Irish Studies Centre of London Metropolitan University. The film is a collection of interviews… Continue reading “I Only Came Over for a Couple of Years” records experience of London Irish

Emigrant stories make great Christmas gifts

There have been plenty of emigration-related publications this year that would make delightful Christmas gifts. Several Irish centres have produced oral histories detailing the lives of emigrants to America and Canada, as well as the stories of those who have returned to Ireland. Here’s the rundown of this year’s publications: “Memory Brings Us Back: Irish… Continue reading Emigrant stories make great Christmas gifts