People in County Galway are being invited to contribute stories and memories about community midwives in the 19th and 20th century as part of a project led by the National Museum of Ireland.
The stories can be submitted to a national history and heritage archive, available at ouririshheritage.org
The lives and contributions of some Galway nurses and midwives have already been incorporated into an ongoing exhibition and events programme exploring the history of rural midwifery at the National Museum in Turlough Park, Co Mayo.
“We’d like to hear from more people in Co Galway and across Ireland to further expand on this community-led historical research into midwifery,” said Lorna Elms, iCAN development officer with the National Museum.
“Community midwives provided a vital network of healthcare provision for women in rural Ireland - sustaining the lives of mothers and babies during birth – often in very challenging conditions. The exhibition and archive project acknowledges and celebrates their contributions.”
Members of Woodlawn Heritage Group, Killererin Heritage Group, Abbey & District Heritage, Galway Community Archaeology, Milltown Heritage Group, Moycullen Heritage, Moylough Heritage Society, Oughterard Heritage, and Skehana and District Heritage have all contributed research to the project.
The groups are part of the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN ) – an initiative by the National Museum of Ireland, the Heritage Council and participating local authority heritage officers across Ireland.
Bernie Doherty from?Woodlawn Heritage Group is set to deliver a talk on her research on the topic at the National Museum in Turlough Park to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8.
Bernie will share the story of local handywoman, Bella Anderson. A handywoman, or ‘woman of the knee’, assisted women with childbirth but was not a registered midwife. Although Bella had no formal training, Bernie’s research shows she was known for her understanding and empathy that made her an approachable and trusted friend to all in the community.
To hear from Bernie Doherty and other local historians from around Ireland on their research into community midwives, visit www.museum.ie and book a place at the upcoming event for International Women’s Day on March 8. Alternatively, telephone (094 ) 90 31751 or email [email protected].
Visit the exhibition at Turlough Park or ouririshheritage.org to contribute your own stories or memories of midwives in your area.
