The Peace Process: Layers of Meaning

There are three key objectives:

1. Increase awareness of the complex history of the peace process;
2. Provide a central web-based tool to provide an overview of surviving interviews, social investigations and oral histories of the peace process;
3. Create a lasting legacy for future scholars and all citizens interested in their heritage

These objectives have been realised through four related components:

1. Heritage interviews

One hundred interviews to be undertaken with key figures in the Peace Process.  These will be deposited under embargo in archives in the three jurisdictions, most likely the British Library Sound Archive, PRONI and UCD.  Professor McConville and Dr Bryson will produce a narrative history of the peace process that draws on the interviews without compromising their confidentiality.

2. Online Directory – LOMOND

In tandem with the collection of interviews we are compiling the Layers of Meaning Online Directory (LOMOND).  This aims to identify and provide details on all surviving interviews, social investigations and oral histories of the peace process. A select but authoritative archive in its own right, it will function as a unique and universally accessible research tool.

3. Oral history training

This component involved the design and implementation of an oral history training programme for students, teachers and community members in the border area.

4. Local projects in the border area

Three exemplary oral history training projects have been initiated and will be supervised to completion.  It is envisaged that these local projects become self-sustaining, resulting ultimately in a hub of oral history research.