National Treasures

Shared Histories and Cultural Stories

EZ Films, Devhaus, TE, Ed Sullivan Show
Submission
IADT Dublin
Language
English
Source
Commercial Media
Format
Broadcast
Era
Contemporary: 1945—2000
Sphere
Cultural
Submission
IADT Dublin
Language
English
Source
Commercial Media
Format
Broadcast
Era
Contemporary: 1945—2000
Sphere
Cultural

National Treasures is an innovative crowdsourced archive project that collects everyday objects and cultural stories to highlight Ireland's heritage throughout the past century. Developed by RTÉ, Ireland's national broadcaster, in collaboration with the National Museum of Ireland, this initiative represents a democratic approach to heritage documentation and preservation.

The project invites the public to submit objects representing significant moments and experiences, creating a digital archive that reflects Ireland's diverse narratives. Rather than focusing exclusively on items of monetary value or those associated with famous figures, National Treasures prioritises objects that carry personal and community significance, democratising the concept of what constitutes "treasure."

This approach emphasises how personal memories and seemingly mundane artefacts contribute to national history, demonstrating that even simple items can reveal profound social changes and cultural values. By involving ordinary citizens in the curation process, National Treasures honours individual stories while connecting viewers to shared Irish experiences, creating a more inclusive understanding of national identity.

The multi-platform campaign encompasses a website, roadshow events, a four-part television series, and a physical exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland. This comprehensive approach fosters broad participation and community engagement, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to see their experiences reflected in the national narrative.

By highlighting the importance of personal memory in shaping collective history, National Treasures strengthens the understanding of Irish identity for future generations while demonstrating how shared narratives emerge from individual experiences.

𝌇 READ: "National Treasures Official Site"; ▷ WATCH: "Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem 'The Rising Of The Moon' on The Ed Sullivan Show, 1961", CBS, YouTube.

↑ ▢ "The Clancy Brothers", Signed photograph of Paddy Clancy wearing traditional Aran sweater; Submitted by Mary Clancy to National Treasures exhibition; Source: RTÉ.