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Our Generation

Since the late 1960s, Northern Ireland has seen an immense landscape of activity in all aspects of society. Implicit within the heritage of the period are the recurring motifs of conflict, violence, peace and reconciliation.

It is against this backdrop that the Our Generation Archive sets out to document the reminiscences and insight of people, who in a myriad of ways, sought to build positive structures, resources and services in the community.

The Our Generation Archive is therefore not so much a hidden heritage, more an unrecorded one of a generation of people who tried new ideas and new ways of engaging others in actions to effect change and build a modern society.

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Our Generation: Stories – Vera Henderson

Vera overcame sectarian discrimination in Tyrone founding cross-community groups including Recycled Teenagers and First Steps Women’s Group to support older residents and empower women.
Show added:
13/02/2013

Our Generation: Stories – Father Desmond Wilson

Father Wilson established Springhill Community House and Conway Mill Education Project in west Belfast, advocating for community education and economic development in Ballymurphy during Troubles.
Show added:
13/02/2013

Our Generation: Stories – Mo McDevitt

Mo studied art in England, established art in Dublin public hospitals, then returned to Belfast founding Studio 23 promoting art therapy and community arts.
Show added:
13/02/2013

Our Generation: Stories – Lynda Walker

Sheffield-born Lynda Walker moved to Belfast, opened the first Women’s Centre, stood for the Women’s Coalition, and now chairs the Communist Party of Ireland.
Show added:
13/02/2013

Our Generation: In Our Time – Creating Arts Within Reach

Belfast community arts grew since 1970s despite Troubles, with Martin Lynch and Des Wilson developing theatre and cross-community projects like The Wedding Community Play.
Show added:
11/02/2013

Our Generation: Falls Women’s Centre

Falls Women’s Centre founders including Una Ní Mhearain, Liz Maskey, Pádraigín Drinan, Mary Enright, and Susan McCrory established safe space in 1981, receiving cross-community support from Shankill Women’s Centre.
Show added:
11/02/2013

Our Generation: Giros

Danny Martin and Petesy Burns reflect on Giros, Belfast’s 17-year non-sectarian alternative space that nurtured music, art, and youth empowerment during the 1980s Thatcher era.
Show added:
11/02/2013

Our Generation: Ná hAbair é, Déan é

Falls Road’s Mac Seáin family built Shaws Road Gaeltacht, founded first Irish-medium school in 1971, rebuilt Bombay Street, campaigned for bilingual education recognition during Troubles.
Show added:
11/02/2013

Our Generation: The Edge of the World

West Belfast’s Turf Lodge residents including Martin Lynch and Roisin Magee transformed poverty and Troubles violence into thriving facilities through persistent Tenants Association campaigns and infrastructure development.
Show added:
11/02/2013

Our Generation: Stories – JB Vallely

Armagh artist JB Vallely painted for 50+ years, founded Armagh Pipers Club in 1966, continued cultural work during Troubles depicting Irish musicians and traditional sports.
Show added:
11/02/2013

Our Generation: Stories – Joe O’Donnell

Short Strand’s Joe O’Donnell directed the local partnership, became first Sinn Féin councillor in East Belfast and Deputy Mayor of Belfast, championing community development and cross-community relations.
Show added:
11/02/2013

Our Generation: Stories – Betty Carlisle

West Belfast’s Betty managed the Shankill Women’s Centre supporting bomb victims and creating childcare initiatives like Small Wonders, earning an MBE for community work.
Show added:
11/02/2013
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