Living History was launched on 20th October 2005 and was attended, by the programme participants, staff representatives from local Residential Homes, Madeline Orme and Liam Taylor of the Dark Horse Venture and Cara Peoples of Awards for All.  Also in attendance were primary school teachers, those working with older people and Prof. Faith Gibson of Northern Ireland Reminiscence Network.   

All the participants and attendees at the launch including families, staff, and representatives of the statutory agencies believed they had a greater understanding of the lives and communities of the different participants, their experiences and the value of their contribution to community and the potential for their stories to be used as an educational tool in schools and the wider community. Five of the 43 stories were showcased at the launch, and all are available now on this site, the stories are accompanied by teacher’s work-plans and student activities.

The stories last between 1 and 3 minutes and cover topics including: the war years and everyday life memories of games played, clothes worn and food available to them.  The groups’ talked of family life, hardship and living in a supportive and interdependent community.  The launch also provided an opportunity for all the participants to meet up again listen to each others stories and identify opportunities to get together again.  To listen to the stories return to Living History Home Page.