Legacy of the Past Record

The Legacy of the Past Record was created by Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) together with individuals who were impacted by the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

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The Legacy of the Past Record currently consists of twenty-three reports co-authored by UHRW’s Advocacy Service.  Fourteen of the reports contain input from families who lost a family member as a result of the Troubles.  Nine reports relate to the experiences of individuals who describe the impact the Troubles had on their personal and family life. 

The reports include extracts from official sources such as Court and Inquest files together with extracts from, or references to, printed sources including contemporary newspaper accounts.

Significantly, the reports contain statements from those directly affected by the Troubles including families describing the circumstances of the death of a family member. These personal testimonies and stories from victims and survivors highlight the wider impact of the Troubles. 

Oral History Recordings

Headshot of a middle aged woman with medium-length blond hair and a colourful floral blouse talking on a couch.
Legacy of the Past Record participant Diane Kerrigan

The Legacy of the Past Record also includes nine filmed oral history testimonies. Most of the oral history testimonies were conducted by Ray Hayden, Angle Communications, on behalf of UHRW. Nuala Hayden, Angle Communications, was the camera operator and provided transcriptions for the interviews on behalf of UHRW. Each oral history testimony has an accompanying transcription in both English and French.

Accessing the Legacy of the Past Record

The Legacy of the Past reports are available to view on the PRONI onsite and eCatalogue by searching within the reference number D4791/1 and selecting the option to ‘view’ the individual digital object. 

Headshot of an older man with a green top and grey hoodie sitting on a green couch against a light yellow wall and the bottom of a frame in the background.
Legacy of the Past Record participant Joe Morrison

The oral history testimonies and accompanying transcripts are available to view on the PRONI onsite and eCatalogue by searching within the reference number D4791/2 and selecting the option to ‘view’ the individual digital object.

Please note that some people may find some of the content in these reports and oral history testimonies distressing. 

The Legacy of the Past Record is also accessible through the UHRW website(external link opens in a new window / tab).

Further Material

PRONI will continue to work with UHRW and make additional family reports and oral history recordings publicly available as they are created.