Offaly Archives building is officially opened

The official opening of Offaly Archives was carried out on Thursday last by Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan.

Offaly Archives is located at unit 1F, Cluster Two, Axis Business Park.

Offaly History completed the building of what is its second premises in 2019 to coincide with its 50th anniversary. The new repository is a state-of-the-art archives building managed by a professional archivist, Lisa Shortall, and houses the collections of Offaly History and Offaly County Library. The mix of the voluntary and the public sectors, under professional management, provides a unique blend of enthusiasm, specialist knowledge and continuity that can only enhance Offaly Archives over time.

This community-driven project secured funding from Offaly Local Development Company, Creative Ireland, the Heritage Council and Offaly County Council.

Most important to Offaly History was the support of the managing committee for the project and the financial support from the public received in the form of donations and interest-free loans from individuals and groups across the county. Offaly History is a charitable trust with a broad membership, an education programme and publications series. It is there to work with all who want to develop an appreciation of our local heritage. In this regard the support of the county council, the county heritage officer Amanda Pedlow, and the county library service has proved invaluable. Offaly Archives is now an asset for public benefit.

The establishment of a county archives service brings together the years of work in the collecting and conserving of historical records by Offaly County Library and Offaly History. Professional management will ensure secure access and further the on-going work of the Offaly County Library and all historical societies in the county in building on what has been achieved to date.