Programme of Lectures January - May 2016

Winter/Spring 2016

Lectures held in St Patrick's Gateway Centre,

Patrick Street, at 8pm 

Friday 29^th January                           Speaker: Monsignor Michael Olden.

Topic: Dr. Richard A Sheehan 1845 – 1915.

Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, and founder of

The Waterford and South East of Ireland Archaeological Society.

Friday 26^th February                                    Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Shee Twohig, UCC.

Topic: “Houses of the Dead: the megalithic tombs of East Waterford”

This lecture will look at the various types of “dolmens” (megalithic tombs) in the area and discuss their use and the people who built them.

Friday 1^st April                                   Speaker: Mr. James Doherty

Topic: The Two Military Barracks in Waterford.

James Doherty will examine the history behind the two military barracks in Waterford City and will provide an insight into why they were built, what garrison life was like and the factors that led to the decline and almost complete disappearance of what was once a impressive military complex in the heart of Waterford City.

Friday 8^th April                                  Annual General Meeting – Details beforehand.

Friday 29^th April                                Speaker: Dr. Pat McCarthy.

Topic: Waterford men in The 1916 Rising.

This lecture will mark the centenary of The 1916 Rising.

Friday 27^nd May                                Speaker: Mr. Kieran Cronin.

Topic: Aquila Non Captat Muscas: a voyage of discovery of the William Graves and Sons Shipping Company papers at WIT Libraries.

This lecture provides an insight into the historical documents of the William Graves and Sons Shipping Company Papers which WIT Libraries are custodians of since May 2015. The company’s origins date back to 1811 and are most famously known for commissioning the building of the Dunbrody ship (1840-1845). At its height the company had offices in New Ross, Waterford, Liverpool and Savannah, Georgia amongst others. This collection of circa 1400 historical documents includes ledgers, letters, legal documents, prospectuses, maps etc. which when brought together give a greater understanding of the multifaceted international business operations of the company in the 19^th century.

All details of lectures will be available from our website,

Facebook page, local and national papers.

http://www.waterford-history.org/