Seanchas Líonra na nGael, Nua-Orléans

The lore we hold together — the stories of our people, kept and passed on. Every member's telling is their own seanchas; together they make the seanchas of Irish Network New Orleans.

What is a seanchas?

an seanchas — the lore entire, our whole holding of stories.
scéal — one story; scéalta — the stories.
A family's telling is its own seanchas — seanchas mhuintir Mhongabháin, the seanchas of the Muggivan people — and all of them together make this collection.

What we're doing here

We're gathering the scéalta of the Irish in New Orleans — where our families came from, how they got here, and what they carried with them. Each scéal is a piece of the record, kept in the words of the person who holds it. Some are certain; some are still being worked out. Together they become an archive no book holds.
Tips for submitting a scéal
  • Keep it short. A good scéal is a summary — a few paragraphs, not an essay.
  • Tell it in your own voice. Family memory is a real source; say what came down to you.
  • Say why it matters — and be honest about what's certain and what's a best guess.
  • Note your sources where you can: a record, a townland, a person who told you.
  • Choose who can read it — public, members only, chosen members, or just you.
  • Invite input if you'd like help. Others may know a piece you don't.

Seanchas

Gathering the scéalta…