March 2005 Edition

Archive Awareness Campaign 2005

Archive Awareness Campaign 2005 involved 24 events hosted by archive services across twelve counties during the month of September, co-ordinated by the Society of Archivists, Ireland. As always, the events were varied and ranged from talks to exhibitions to open days to historical re-enactments and even a murder mystery night!

Building on 2004’s success, an official launch of the Archive Awareness Campaign was held on Thursday 1 September in the Irish Architectural Archive on Merrion Square. The guest speaker was Michael Starett, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, who also launched the long awaited Heritage Council Report on Archive Services in Ireland. The evening was a great success with a large attendance from right across the heritage sector.

The main publicity tool for the campaign was the Archive Awareness Campaign webpage, hosted by the National Archives. This webpage contained listings of all events held across the country. Details were also posted on the Irish Society for Archives website and the overall Archive Awareness Campaign website in the UK.

New this year was the placing of ads in national newspapers as well as local newspapers. Other forms of publicity included printing fliers which were distributed to all participants and cultural institutions. Letters containing information on Archive Awareness Campaign were sent to local history groups in counties where events were being held. The Irish Library News, which is distributed to all libraries, featured an article on the campaign in the September newsletter.

The Society of Archivists received lots of positive feedback on the Archive Awareness Campaign and looks forward to the 2006 campaign!

Eibhlín Roche
Society of Archivists, Ireland