People in Derry will be given the chance to learn about their family history at events in the city this week.

The ‘Explore Your Archives’ campaign is taking place in the city this week.

Special drop in sessions led by  Derry City Council’s Archive & Genealogy service will take place at the Tower Museum from Thursday to Saturday between 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm.

Mayor of Derry Councillor Brenda Stevenson, urged anyone with an interest in local history to take the opportunity to find out more about the archives.

“As we all know Derry has a captivating history, and this campaign presents the opportunity to explore family histories and documents detailing the city’s most significant events. The archives available date right back over 300 years offering come fascinating insights into the city’s colourful past.

“I would really encourage people to avail of this opportunity to learn more about how to access the archives.”

Staff will be available at Tower Museum to answer any queries and to also profile some of the archive collections that are available for the public.

Derry City Council Archivist Bernadette Walsh said: “We are delighted to take this opportunity to showcase the archive collections. The Archivist and Genealogist will be on hand to advise and assist visitors on how to access the collections and a small selection of archives will be on display.

“This is an opportunity to learn more about what collections we have, how to access the documents, how to research your family history and to ask those burning questions about the past! You’ll be amazed at what you might uncover!”

This significant collection documents over 300 years of the city’s history and includes items as diverse as one of the city’s charters, to items relating to the shirt factories, the railways, conflict, maritime history and a range of artworks.

The genealogy database www.derry.rootsireland.ie includes over one million essential records when tracing your ancestors.  

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