A NEW online historical archive about the Troubles and the peace process is to be launched in Belfast next week.
Linen Hall Library's new `Divided Society' resource, which will cover the period between 1990 to 1998, is made up of a collection that includes hundreds of journal titles containing thousands of articles, hundreds of political posters, a video and audio gallery, educational tool-kits, and ten exclusive essays from leading academics such as Marianne Elliot, Adrian Guelke, and Connal Parr.
The project will cover a period during the conflict when events such as the Downing Street Agreement and several ceasefires took place, as well as the ongoing peace negotiations, which culminated in the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Internationally renowned journalist Kate Adie, who spent time in Northern Ireland during her career, will launch the new `Divided Society' resource at the Linen Hall Library on Monday.
Julie Andrews, Director of the Linen Hall Library, said the essence of the project was to "give an understanding" of what it was like living during a conflict.
"Throughout her career Kate dedicated herself to doing exactly that, giving viewers an accurate description of global conflict the only way she knew how, by being on the ground, in the midst of it."
Gavin Carville, Manager of the `Divided Society' project, said the resource was of "phenomenal importance as a historical archive and we are delighted it has been preserved for future generations".
Senator George J Mitchell, who chaired of the all-party talks leading to the Good Friday Agreement, has written an introduction to the resource.
"The peace talks were a long and difficult process and this archive provides its users with a sense of the atmosphere of the time, the issues affecting daily life, how they were debated, and the various attempts at a resolution," he said.
"Nearly 20 years later, some of these issues remain, but are solvable if the political leaders are willing to engage and talk."
Two exhibitions - `We Lived It – the social impact of the Troubles' and `Laughter in the Dark – Illustrating the Troubles' - have also been created and will be displayed as part of the project.
Further information about the project is available at www.dividedsociety.org or www.linenhall.com.
