Strabane History Society

23/02/2026

📣 Strabane History Society – February Talk

We’re delighted to invite you to our next monthly talk:
“The Plantations of Ulster”
Speaker: Helen Meehan

🕢 Time: 7.30 pm
📅 Date: Thursday, 26th February 2026
📍 Venue: Strabane Concert Band Rooms, John Wesley Street, Strabane

Join us for an evening exploring the Plantation of Ulster and its lasting impact on communities across the North West.
All are welcome, We look forward to seeing you there.

20/01/2026

📜 Strabane History Society Event 📜

Join us for a fascinating evening as we explore “The Newtownstewart Bank Robbery”, a dramatic and intriguing episode from our local history.

🗓 29th January 2026
⏰ 7.30pm
📍 Music Rooms, John Wesley Street, Strabane

All are welcome—come along and discover the story.

21/11/2025

📣 Strabane History Society – November Talk

We’re delighted to invite you to our next monthly talk:

“Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier”
Speaker: Belinda Mhaffy
🕢 Time: 7.30 pm
📅 Date: Thursday, 27th November
📍 Venue: Strabane Concert Band Rooms, John Wesley Street, Strabane

Join us for an evening exploring the legends and legacies surrounding one of America’s most iconic frontier figures. Belinda Mhaffy will guide us through the real story behind the myth, the cultural impact of Davy Crockett, and why his tale travelled so far beyond Tennessee—including across the Atlantic.

All are welcome, We look forward to seeing you there.

19/10/2025

📜 Researching Your Family History – Part 2 🔍

Following the success of our March workshop, we’re delighted to invite you to Part 2 of our Researching Your Family History series!

Join genealogy expert Boyd Gray and computer technician Glenn Neeson for an interactive evening in the computer suite at Holy Cross College, Melmount Road, Strabane, on Wednesday 22nd October, from 7pm to 9pm.

Whether you attended Part 1 or are just starting out, this hands-on session will help you explore your roots using online tools and local records.

🗓 When: Wednesday 22nd October
🕖 Time: 7pm – 9pm
🏫 Where: Computer Suite, Holy Cross College, Strabane

💻 Spaces are limited, so early attendance is advised! Please contact us via Michael or Pat directly or using our website contact us page: https://strabanehistorysociety.org/contact-us/

22/08/2025

We are saddened by the devastating fire at Milltown House, one of Strabane’s most significant historic residences.This house was famous because it was once the home of Cecil Frances Alexander the famous hymn writer of many hymns including 'All things bright and beautiful'. Its loss is a stark reminder of the need to cherish and protect the historic buildings that shape Strabane’s unique character. Here is the BBC article about it:

The police are treating the fire at Milltown House, on the former site of Strabane Grammar School in County Tyrone, as deliberate.

08/07/2025

📚 Book Launch Announcement! 🇺🇸🇮🇪

Join us for the much-anticipated launch of Strabane’s Influence in America by Michael Kennedy et al., a fascinating new publication that uncovers the remarkable impact our town and its people have had across the Atlantic.

📍 Venue: The Alley Theatre, Railway Road, Strabane
🕓 Time: 4pm
📅 Date: Thursday, 10th July
💷 Book Launch Price: £10

Come along to celebrate our shared heritage, hear from the authors, and pick up your copy of this important and engaging piece of local history. All are welcome—spread the word!

17/05/2025

📣 **Upcoming History Talk – Don’t Miss Out!** 🗺️📚

Strabane History Society invites you to a fascinating evening exploring a vital chapter of our shared heritage…

🎤 **“Ulster Scots Movement to America”**
🗓️ **Thursday, 29th May 2025**
🕗 **7:30 PM**
📍 **Music Rooms, John Wesley Street, Strabane**

We’re delighted to welcome **Dr. Paddy Fitzgerald**, renowned historian and expert in migration studies, who will delve into the compelling story of the Ulster Scots' journey across the Atlantic and their enduring legacy in the United States.

This is a must-attend event for anyone interested in local history, ancestry, or the wider story of emigration from Ulster.

🆓 All are welcome!

📌 Mark your calendars and join us for an engaging and informative evening.

07/03/2025

📢 **Discover Your Family History!** 🏡📜

Join us for an interactive genealogy workshop with genealogy expert Boyd Gray and computer technician Glenn Neeson! Whether you're just starting or looking to break down brick walls in your research, this session will help you unlock your family’s past using technology.

🖥️ **Where?** Computer Suite, Holy Cross College, Melmount Road.

🕖 **When?** Thursday, 27th March 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

📍 **Who?** Hosted by Strabane History Society.

💡 This hands-on session will help you make the most of online genealogy resources!

👣✨ Spaces are limited, please contact Pat or Michael at SHS to reserve your spot. You can use our website's Contact Us page: https://strabanehistorysociety.org/contact-us/

23/02/2025

🟦 Discover the Blue Plaques of Strabane! 🟦

Strabane is rich in history, and its Blue Plaques tell the stories of the remarkable people from our town. From literary legends to political figures, these plaques commemorate individuals who left a lasting legacy.

📜✨ Strabane History Society recently did a presentation on the subject and you can view the PDF version here:
https://strabanehistorysociety.org/the-blue-plaques-of-strabane/

Let us know in the comments—who’s your favorite historical figure from Strabane? 👇💬

16/02/2025

📜 Strabane History Society presents: "History of Urney" with Chris McNulty 📜

Join us for a fascinating evening as we welcome Chris McNulty, renowned for his book Urney: Portrait of an Irish Parish (1994). 📖✨

📅 Date: Thursday 27th February 2025.
📍 Location: Strabane Brass Band Rooms, John Wesley Street.
⏰ Time: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday 27th February 2025.

Chris will delve into the rich history of Urney, exploring its people, places, and pivotal moments that have shaped the parish over the centuries. Whether you're a local history enthusiast or just curious about the past, this is an event not to be missed!📢

Spread the word and bring a friend. Let’s keep history alive! 🔍🗺️

29/01/2025

📻🎙️ Discover the Hidden Stories of the Strabane Canal!

We're thrilled to share a fascinating audio interview from Your Place and Mine, the BBC Radio Ulster program that celebrates the unique people, places, and stories of Northern Ireland.

In 2024, reporter Laura O’Neill sat down with Strabane History’s very own Michael Kennedy and John Dooher at the picturesque Foxlodge Cricket Club in Ballymagory. Together, they explored the history and enduring significance of the Strabane Canal—a treasure trove of heritage and a symbol of local pride.

🎧 Click below to listen to this insightful short interview and dive into the rich history of Strabane Canal: https://strabanehistorysociety.org/the-strabane-canal/