30/09/2002
Ulster Covenant could boost tourism says Minister
Culture Minister, Michael McGimpsey, today said that making the details contained in the Ulster Covenant more accessible would give a huge boost to both cultural tourism and genealogical research.
The Minister was speaking at a preview of the Ulster Covenant Digitisation Project, currently underway at Northern Ireland’s Public Record Office, where the original signatures are held.
Mr McGimpsey said that the signing of the Covenant on Ulster Day, September 28, 1912, was a defining moment in Northern Ireland’s history. He added: “Whatever one’s outlook on our last ninety years, there can be no denying that this document captured a momentous period in our history. On that day, nearly half a million citizens seized the moment to bear witness to a crucial turning point in the annals of these islands.
“It was, and remains, an inspiring example of the people expressing their will and shaping their own destiny. As a piece of historical evidence, the Covenant must be made widely and easily available to anyone, anywhere, who wants to study it.”
The Minister pointed out that as well as signatures, the Covenant also contained the addresses of those who signed. He said: “This, along with the fact that women also signed a parallel Declaration, makes the Covenant a rich source of material to anyone interested in genealogical or sociological research.
“Together, these details form a deep well of historical information which any of us should be able to dip into."
Mr McGimpsey added that he was confident that by early 2003, when the information will be made available in the form of an electronic database, this objective would be much closer to fruition.
(MB)
The Minister was speaking at a preview of the Ulster Covenant Digitisation Project, currently underway at Northern Ireland’s Public Record Office, where the original signatures are held.
Mr McGimpsey said that the signing of the Covenant on Ulster Day, September 28, 1912, was a defining moment in Northern Ireland’s history. He added: “Whatever one’s outlook on our last ninety years, there can be no denying that this document captured a momentous period in our history. On that day, nearly half a million citizens seized the moment to bear witness to a crucial turning point in the annals of these islands.
“It was, and remains, an inspiring example of the people expressing their will and shaping their own destiny. As a piece of historical evidence, the Covenant must be made widely and easily available to anyone, anywhere, who wants to study it.”
The Minister pointed out that as well as signatures, the Covenant also contained the addresses of those who signed. He said: “This, along with the fact that women also signed a parallel Declaration, makes the Covenant a rich source of material to anyone interested in genealogical or sociological research.
“Together, these details form a deep well of historical information which any of us should be able to dip into."
Mr McGimpsey added that he was confident that by early 2003, when the information will be made available in the form of an electronic database, this objective would be much closer to fruition.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 March 2024
Ministers Discuss Development Of Football At All Levels In NI
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed UK Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, on an official visit to Northern Ireland. During his visit, the Ministers will discuss the development of football at all levels in NI.
Ministers Discuss Development Of Football At All Levels In NI
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed UK Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, on an official visit to Northern Ireland. During his visit, the Ministers will discuss the development of football at all levels in NI.
23 January 2024
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
22 March 2024
Communities Minister Pledges To Address The Housing Crisis
The Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has committed to increasing the number of social homes and providing more affordable housing options, in his keynote address at the Northern Ireland Housing Conference.
Communities Minister Pledges To Address The Housing Crisis
The Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has committed to increasing the number of social homes and providing more affordable housing options, in his keynote address at the Northern Ireland Housing Conference.
07 February 2024
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
Executive To Present 'United Case For Fair And Just Settlement'
The Executive will take a united case for a fair and just settlement for public sector workers and public services to Westminster, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said.
05 February 2024
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.