Preserving Personal Archives: Protecting Your Family History

Kieran Hoare
Saturday 22 August 2026 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane, Galway

Every family has a story to tell. Photographs, letters, diaries, home movies, audio recordings, and digital files are invaluable records of our personal and community history, yet many are at risk of being lost through neglect, deterioration, or changing technology.

Join archivist Kieran Hoare for a practical and informative talk exploring how we can preserve these irreplaceable records for future generations. Drawing on his extensive experience in archives and heritage, Kieran will discuss simple but effective ways to care for family photographs, documents, film, and audiovisual material, as well as the importance of organising and safeguarding digital collections.

The presentation will also examine how personal archives contribute to our shared cultural heritage, ensuring that the stories of individuals, families, and communities are not forgotten. Whether you are researching your family history or simply want to protect treasured memories, this session will provide valuable advice and practical guidance.

This talk forms part of Galway Civic Trust: A Celebration of Heritage 2026, a full-day programme presented during National Heritage Week 2026. Held across the Mick Lally Theatre, the Hall of the Red Earl, and the Peadar O’Dowd Gallery, the day features talks, exhibitions, living history displays, storytelling, film screenings, and an evening concert, celebrating Galway’s heritage while reflecting this year’s Heritage Week theme, “Heritage at Risk.”