Louth’s Gathering History Project has successfully made it through to the Arthur Guinness Projects funding scheme.
Project Co-ordinators Harry Lee and Jason McGee along with County Museum curator Brian Walsh are now asking for the public’s support in helping the unique Louth-based project be in with a chance to share in the €3m fund.
The aim of the Gathering History Project is to create an historical archive using the voices of those from the county who have left these shores and who are happily sharing their life stories.
To date, participants include ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ Hollywood director John Moore, who filmed his own interview in LA, speaking of the people who led him on to a phenomenal career.
Jim Corr sparked international speculation of a Corrs reunion in his interview with the Gathering History Project – hinting it was 95% certain the group would reunite.
Most recently, Louth native and US sports broadcaster , Tommy Smyth, spoke of his hopes for US Vice President Joe Biden to visit Louth and also of the importance of Mr Biden and other senior US figures acknowledging and promoting their Irish roots.
Initially a project under The Gathering initiative, it is now hoped to continue on and expand the Louth project which is where the Arthur Guinness Project funding would be invaluable.
Harry Lee explains: “I am hearing fascinating stories and we have received some great international attention for this project, portraying Louth in a very positive light. To receive Arthur Guinness Project funding would mean we could target continuing with the project beyond The Gathering year.”
Jason McGee adds: “The proof of The Gathering’s success will be to extend initiatives beyond 2013. That is what we are hoping to do – build a legacy. The Gathering History Louth Project can be extended and indeed expanded across the country. There is amazing potential there and we would love to go forward with it.”
County Museum curator, Brian Walsh is eager to see the continuation of The Gathering History Project and believes the Arthur Guinness Project fund could play a major role. “We are more than happy to be involved with the Gathering History Project and facilitate Harry’s interviews here in the Museum.
“What is important to remember is that many people are in Ireland right now seeking out their genealogy. The Gathering History Project is a major genealogy tool of the future. It’s not just seeking out information on paper. These are the voices of generations. Those who come after us will be able to listen to their relatives and hear the tone and emotion in their voice when they speak. You can’t put all that down on paper.”
To vote for the Gathering History Louth initiative for inclusion in the Arthur Guinness Project fund click here.
Voting closes on Friday, August 23, 2013.
Talk of the Town 