The Dublin historians delving into the forgotten past right on your doorstep
Through school visits, workshops, and guided tours, Dublin City Historians in Residence have been highlighting the fascinating history of the capital for years.
Since 2017, this fascinating initiative supported by Dublin City Council has been turning local stories into living history as a group of historians encourage people to connect with the legacies of their communities. With 238 workshops in 2025 alone, thousands attend historical events in libraries and schools.
There are currently six historians who represent different areas of the city, and who shine a light on the fascinating stories that make Dublin such a vibrant place. These include Catherine Scuffil for Dublin South Central, Mary Muldowney for Dublin North West, Cormac Moore for Dublin South East, Dervilia Rocheas as the Historian in Residence for Children, Katie Blackwood for Dublin North Central, and Elizabeth Kehoe for Dublin Central.
The work the historians do extend beyond just workshops as they research publications, lead memory collection projects, organise talks and seminars, as well offer guided tours. That’s not to mention the exhibitions and podcasts led by the Historians in Residence.
The group endeavour to deliver ‘History on Your Doorstep’ through the publication of their book series of the same name. With eight volumes already released, this unique publication collects local stories and is available free of charge at all libraries across the city.
“The Historian in Residence placement within the various areas is one of the best gifts that Dublin City Council could ever give to the people of Dublin. Our Historian in Residence has now become part of our community’s journey of lifelong learning and for that we will be forever grateful,” said Maria O’Reily of Tenters 100.
Another integral component of the programme is the Dublin Festival of History, an annual free festival run in partnership with Dublin City Council, Dublin City Libraries, and the Dublin City Council Culture Company. Having run for the past 13 years, the aim of the festival is to shine a fresh perspective on history and its importance in our everyday lives.
The Historians in Residence boast the credentials needed to dig deep into Dublin’s past. Katie Blackwood for Dublin North Central utilises her MA in Public History and Cultural Heritage from the University of Limerick to explore community-based oral history projects focusing on cultural and social history.
Katie’s projects in 2025 focus on everything from the history of Dublin cinemas to a fashion-based research project titled ‘Perms, Updos, Bobs and Shaved Heads: Women’s Hairstyles in 20th Century Ireland.’ Through such unique topics, the Historians in Residence catalogue the often untold stories that make Dublin great.
Another fascinating project led by Katie in 2025 celebrated 50 years of Darndale history, as the suburb located north of Coolock was farmland before being developed for housing by Dublin Corporation in 1975. Through the 'Darndale Memory Sharing Event,' Katie facilitated locals sharing memories and stories about life in the area.
"The Darndale Memory Sharing Event was a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, reminisce, and share stories of their lives in the area. The tremendous spirit of the people of Darndale shone through," a statement from the Darndale Together group said.
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme