The Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage zoom May lecture on "Recovering the Voices of West Cork in the American Civil War" by historian, archaeologist and a former curator in the National Museum of Ireland Dr. Damian Shiels was another great success and enjoyed by the large crowd who “tuned in”.
In his wide-ranging talk, Damian said that it is estimated that around 250,000 Irish Americans fought for the Union during the American Civil War and the records left behind offer some of the most detailed insights into the ordinary lives of Irish emigrants in 19th century America.

Utilising new research, he explored what these records tell about emigrants and emigration from West Cork to the United States, and what they reveal about how those from the area were impacted by the war. The words of the men and women themselves, left behind in their letters and statements from more than 150 years ago were quoted throughout the talk.

Dr. Damian Shiels runs the www.irishamericancivilwar.com website and has written a number of books on this topic. The lecture was recorded and the recording is available to look at for members of Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage who have been emailed out the log in details.

Membership of Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage is free for 2021 and all details are on our Facebook page and website.