I would just like to sing the praises of the former journal of the Federation for Ulster Local Studies, Ulster Local Studies. About three or four years ago, I was browsing their website and for the princely sum of £20, discovered that I could purchase the entire run of 43 issues on CD. I would recommend this to anyone interested in Irish local history. I have stumbled upon a number of articles which have been incredibly helpful in getting my Kilwaughter project off the ground. Trevor Parkhill’s articles on the OS maps and valuation records are excellent introductions to complicated sources. Bill Crawford’s articles on landholding and kinship have gotten me thinking about my place in creative ways. Yesterday, I came across a fantastic article on the Rev. Classon Porter, the minister of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church in Larne for much of the 19th century and a well known local activist, raconteur and local historian. A fascinating account of his life and work, with the added bonus of a an appendix, which lists all of his published articles in the local newspaper. How handy isn’t that?
The Federation for Ulster Local Studies is the umbrella organisation which represents local history societies across Northern Ireland. Their website is a treasure trove of information and includes local society events, links to local history publications and a list of speakers on local history topics. Given the organisation is run entirely by volunteers, the scope of their activities is truly impressive.
Click on ‘Publications – Ulster Local Studies’ and you can find out how to purchase the CD for yourself. Worth every penny!