bbc.com
Virtual Records Unveil Lost History of Ireland
The Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland has released 175,000 digitized historical records, including 60,000 names from the 1821 census destroyed in 1922, compiled from surviving handwritten copies and personal genealogical notes, offering unprecedented access to pre-Famine Irish history.
- What is the immediate impact of the 175,000 newly available historical records on genealogical research and the understanding of pre-Famine Ireland?
- The Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland has added 175,000 historical records online, including 60,000 names from the destroyed 1821 census. This expands access to previously lost genealogical information from across Ireland, offering insights into lives before and after the Great Famine. County Armagh boasts the largest contribution, with over 9,000 newly available names.
- What are the potential long-term implications of this digital archive for historical research and public understanding of Irish history, and how might it influence future preservation efforts?
- This initiative demonstrates the potential of digital platforms to recover and disseminate historical information, impacting genealogical research and broader historical understanding. The accessibility of these records could stimulate further research into pre-Famine Irish society, potentially revealing new insights into social structures, demographics, and economic conditions. The success of this project highlights the value of preserving diverse historical records.
- How did the destruction of the 1821 census and the Public Record Office in 1922 influence the creation of the Virtual Record Treasury, and what methods were employed to recover the lost information?
- The project utilized handwritten copies of records preserved in various archives, highlighting the importance of pre-digital record-keeping practices. Researchers painstakingly transcribed and compiled data from personal notes of 20th-century genealogists, including 24 boxes of Tenison Groves' papers and materials from Gertrude Thrift and Phillip Crossley. This extensive effort, involving over 150,000 pages, has made previously inaccessible census information readily available.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the success of the project and the vast amount of recovered data. While this is understandable given the nature of the announcement, it could benefit from a more balanced perspective acknowledging potential limitations or challenges.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual. However, phrases like "genealogical riches" and "vast treasure trove" contribute to a celebratory tone which could be considered subtly biased.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the recovery of genealogical records and does not discuss potential biases or limitations within the recovered data itself. There is no mention of the potential for socioeconomic or class biases in the original census or in the survival and copying of records. The article also doesn't discuss any efforts to address any inherent biases present in the original 1821 census.
Gender Bias
The article features several male experts (Drs. Wallace and Gurrin), and while it mentions the work of female genealogists (Gertrude Thrift and Phillip Crossley), their contributions are described in relation to the men's work. The article does not explicitly discuss gender representation within the census data itself.
Sustainable Development Goals
The project makes historical records, including census data, widely accessible online. This improves research opportunities and educational resources related to Irish history and genealogy, contributing to improved knowledge and understanding.