Shankill Stories to bring local history to life this October

A new series of history talks will invite audiences to delve into stories from the area's past at Shankill Road Library this October.

Shankill Stories, presented by Libraries NI in partnership with Queen's University Belfast, will bring together four talks exploring subjects ranging from the Belfast Blitz and the darker history of graveyards and body snatching to photography of life on the Shankill and the history of Shankill Road Mission.

Taking place on four consecutive Thursday evenings throughout October, the free series of talks will offer people an opportunity to discover different aspects of history in the heart of their community.

The series begins on Thursday 1 October with The Shankill and the Belfast Blitz, presented by Michael Burns from the NI War Memorial Museum. The talk will turn the focus to the Shankill during one of the most devastating periods in Belfast's wartime history.

On Thursday 8 October, Julie Mathias from Queen's University Belfast will present The Use of the Dead for the Living: Graveyards, Body Snatchers and the Anatomy Act, delving into a very different – and darker – side of history.

The focus shifts to photography on Thursday 15 October, when Sinead Burns presents Buzz Logan's Photography of Life on the Shankill, offering an opportunity to consider the people, places and everyday moments captured through his lens.

The series concludes on Thursday 22 October with The History of Shankill Road Mission, presented by Stuart Irwin from Queen's University Belfast.

Mark Knowles Branch Manager of Shankill Road Library said:

"The Shankill has a rich history and there are so many stories connected with the people, places and events that have shaped the area.

"Shankill Stories gives people an opportunity to come together in their local library and discover some of that history from a range of different perspectives.

"Each evening explores something completely different, so people can choose the subject that particularly interests them or come along to all four. We're delighted to be working with Queen's University Belfast to bring the series to Shankill Road Library and we hope it will encourage plenty of conversation, curiosity and shared memories."

Shankill Stories takes place at Shankill Road Library on Thursdays throughout October. All talks begin at 6.30pm and are free to attend, with no booking required.

For further information, contact Shankill Road Library on 028 9050 9232 or email shankillroad.library@librariesni.org.uk