Federation of Ulster Local Studies holds 50th Anniversary AGM and Conference in Derry

The Federation of Ulster Local Studies held their 50th Anniversary AGM and Conference in Derry last weekend. 

The two-day event was hosted in the City Hotel, Derry on Saturday and Sunday. Throughout the two days a number of tours and talks were given as well as a closing reception in the city’s Guildhall.

The Federation of Ulster Local Studies, which now almost has 100 society members, was established to promote and assist with the study and recording of the history, antiquities and folk-life of Ulster. 

In addition to this, the Federation aimed to develop communication and co-operation between local historical groups as well as relevant statutory and voluntary organisations. 

On Saturday, special guest Mayor Lillian Seenoi-Barr gave a welcome speech at the conference to greet the attendees from all over Northern Ireland. 

Opening the event, she said: "I am so proud that the Federation of Ulster Local Studies have chosen our city to celebrate this significant milestone.

"Derry is a place steeped in history and I am delighted that members of the Federation had the opportunity to see many of our world-famous landmarks and to learn more about the events that helped shape the vibrant city we call home today."

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The Mayor congratulated the Federation on their 50th anniversary and expressed her best wishes in the Federation's endeavours to continue their important work "to explore and celebrate the history of the province of Ulster."

The former chairperson of the Federation, and now chair of the Newbuildings and District Archaeological and Historical Society, Bridgeen Rutherford also spoke at the conference.

Bridgeen gave a talk on the ‘paradise’ that is the city of Derry and some of the special places and things to see over the two days of the conference.

On welcoming everyone to the conference, she said: "Derry is steeped in history which is well documented in print. It is a real paradise for those wishing to research the events and occurrences over the centuries in this important historical haven.

"I think you will agree the city is vibrant and is now one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the UK. Not only at Halloween I hasten to add, but if you are brave, stay a little longer and make your own mind up!"

She added: "Of course, the importance of local historical societies is why we are here today. The societies voluntarily uncover and discover and then document many real nuggets of information regarding the personal and physical heritage of their areas.

"These groups should be commended on the importance of the information they gather and preserve for future generations and the heritage of their neighbourhoods."

The former chair also remarked on some members of the Federation of Local History Societies in the Republic of Ireland making the journey to Derry to attend the event, wishing them a pleasant stay in the city. 

Later on Saturday, the group were given a tour of the city walls, paid a visit to the Siege Museum followed by a walk to the Bogside and a tour of The Museum of Free Derry.

Local historian Dr. Richard Dougherty also held a talk on Saturday on ‘Derry During the Second World War’.

On the final day, Sunday, the group visited the Tower Museum and were given a tour of the city's Guildhall.