New and expanded heritage website set to be launched

WICKLOW County Council is set to launch a new and expanded version of ‘Our Wicklow Heritage’ website.

The website is an innovative online community heritage hub for the county and is currently being updated.

‘Our Wicklow Heritage’ represents a collaboration of six individual heritage recording groups in the county which, under the guidance of Wicklow County Council’s Heritage Officer and the Archives Service, have joined the Irish Community Archive Network (ICAN).

ICAN is co-ordinated by the National Museum of Ireland and over the last eight months the various Wicklow groups have participated in training to manage and curate the heritage of their local areas.

The site was first launched in 2015 as an action included in the County Heritage Plan. The extra participating groups are Glens of Lead, Donard Imaal History, Medieval Bray

Project, Delgany Heritage Village and the Glendalough Heritage Forum.

As well as preserving and showcasing the heritage of their local places, the participating groups also benefit from networking, mentoring and training.

Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer, Wicklow County Council, said: ‘In the current time of limited travel and restricted social interaction, ‘Our Wicklow Heritage’ provides a ready and accessible way for communities and individuals in Wicklow to stay connected through their heritage.’

The community archives are interactive, allowing interested individuals to upload and share photographs, articles, personal stories, oral histories and videos. Topics featured include everything from nature observations, to historical information, folklore and cultural heritage.

Visit www.wicklowheritage. org to see the website.