About the discussion
Thursday, March 26 • 1:30 to 4 pm
McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke Ouest
Rooted in History: Aren’t we all a little Irish?
Montreal is rooted in the many histories of many peoples. The McCord Museum is where all of these histories meet and intermingle to give us a sweeping view of this wonderful city. Join us for an afternoon at the McCord where we will visit the latest exhibit Being Irish O’Quebec – an exhibition on the integration of Irish immigrants and their contribution to the social, political, cultural and economic landscape. Based on original research, oral histories, and objects drawn from the collections of both the McCord Museum and of the community, the exhibition will explore the meaning of being and staying Irish in Quebec. The visit will provide an interactive starting point for the public conversation, where we will explore the challenges of owning our collective past and keeping community memory alive.
Guest:
Lorraine O’Donnell, curator of Being Irish O’Quebec, is coordinator-researcher for the Quebec English-Speaking Community Research Network, a joint initiative of the School of Extended Learning at Concordia University and the Canadian Institute for Research on Linguistic Minorities. Lorraine's scholarly research focuses on the history of women's paid and unpaid work and on the development of the English-speaking communities in Quebec, including how history and heritage projects can serve to develop communities.
Moderator:
Elizabeth Hunt coordinates the University of the Streets Café, a program of the Institute in Community Development at Concordia University. Elizabeth is especially interested in how informal learning spaces can foster empowerment and an increased sense of belonging and engagement in individuals. She is currently pursuing graduate studies in adult education.