The Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI) is delighted to announce that Wexford Library and Archive Service has joined as our latest member. Wexford Library and Archive Service seeks to document the history and development of county Wexford, and comprises the official repository in the county for the archives and records of Local Authorities, and for local private collections.
The Gus Handcock Gallery is one such example of the fantastic collections held by Wexford Library and Archive Service – showcasing a collection of late 19th century photographs captured by amateur photographer Gustavus Handcock of Coolbrook, Wellingtonbridge. This collection offers a unique insight into the domestic lives of a middle-class, farming family in rural County Wexford; while also providing glimpses of domestic staff, local labouring people, historical sites and trading activities. Many of Handcock’s photos depict farming practices in south county Wexford during the period, including threshing with many equine images interspersed throughout.
A number of digitisation projects are currently underway in Wexford County Archive, and are continually being rolled out online. To date, some of the digitised collections in the Archive Service include the following:
– Wexford County Council minute books, 1899-1997,
– Wexford Borough Council minute books, 1776-2000,
– Valentine Gill map of Co. Wexford, 1811,
– County Wexford Grand Jury collection, 1817-98,
– Burial records for the four earliest municipal graveyards in Wexford town,
– Poor law union minutes for each of the workhouses in Wexford, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey unions, 1840-1922.
Wexford Libraries also have a rich collection of material to add to the repository which includes:
– Oral History recordings,
– Postcard collections,
– An electronic exhibition on ‘War of Independence and Civil War in Wexford’,
– Local History journals.
Eileen Morrissey, County Librarian for Wexford Library and Archive Service said:
“Wexford Library and Archive Service is delighted to become a member of the Digital Repository of Ireland.
The DRI provides an established and trusted national digital repository for digitised cultural heritage material. Wexford Library and Archive Service’s membership of DRI provides assurance of the safeguarding of collections in the custody of Wexford Library Service now and into the future.
It also allows us to share the Library and Archives unique collections to audiences outside county and national boundaries.”
DRI Director Dr. Lisa Griffith added:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Wexford Library and Archive Service as members of DRI. Their archives hold invaluable collections documenting the activities of government agencies, local authorities, families, and businesses across the county.
With their substantial digital collection already developed, we’re excited to support their efforts in preserving these resources and enhancing their accessibility through DRI. The addition of members like Wexford Library and Archive Service to DRI strengthens our role as a key regional repository for collections focused on the south-east of Ireland”.
Wexford Library and Archive Service joins a growing number of local authority archives that are providing access and long-term preservation for collections through membership of DRI. Visit our membership page to learn more about DRI membership opportunities.
We provide regular updates on collection publications in our monthly newsletter and you can also follow us on Instagram to uncover more treasures in the Repository.
