Experience as
Research Intern in ‘A University in War and Revolution, 1913 - 1919‘ Project
and Exhibition.
 |
| Jordan Markey |
My name is Jordan Markey. I have just completed a B.A. in
History and Geography in NUI Galway and I am currently starting my studies for
the M.A. in History here. In the Spring of 2015 I was made aware of a number of
exclusive places for undergraduate history students to get involved in an
upcoming exhibition in the university based on the Irish revolutionary period
of 1914 – 23. I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the three students
brought on to assist with the project – the only of which that wasn’t in the
final year of their undergraduate students.
My role as a research intern consisted of perusing the
variety of collections within NUI Galway’s Special Collections and archives for
a range of materials relating to the involvement of University College Galway
in nationalism, republicanism and the events of the Easter Rising in Galway. My
research brought me to investigate a broad range of materials, such as personal
collections, local and national newspapers, manuscripts, witness statements and
memoirs. Gathering this material also involved external trips to institutions
such as the National Library, National Archives and County Museums. The final
phase of my work was to compile a report of what I had discovered, and make a
critical assessment of what would be the optimal material and stories to feature
in a visual exhibition.
Working on this project has been immensely enjoyable, intellectually
rewarding and allowed me to challenge myself academically and personally.
I
have engaged with institutions such as archives, museums and libraries to an
unprecedented extent in my academic career so far, leaving them being seen no
longer as imposing, closed off spaces, but as very accessible, valuable and
versatile places for many different avenues of research and learning. I have
also met and forged professional relationships with various historians and
archivists, as well as those in librarian and support services both in Galway
and throughout Ireland. I have also challenged my critical thinking and research
methodologies by being engaged with a project on an unparalleled scale to what
I have been involved with before. It was also challenging, yet very exciting,
to broaden my research interests by studying an area outside of my personal
expertise.
Looking back, I am extremely glad that I decided to get
involved in this project. While it was not without the odd hurdle, it was a
very fulfilling few weeks and a great learning process for someone like myself
who is interested in a career in history. The official launch of the exhibition
was a moment of great personal pride and fulfilment for a lot of challenging
work. If another such opportunity arose again I would absolutely not hesitate
to put myself forward and get stuck right in. I would also encourage anyone in
a similar position to myself, or just with an interest in historical studies
and practice, to make the most of an opportunity like this.
I would like to
extend my thanks to the project co-ordinators, staff in the James Hardiman
Library/Special Collections and the History Department of NUI Galway for their
guidance, assistance and giving me the opportunity to work on this very worthwhile
project.
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