The Strabane History Society was founded in December 1989 at the local Teachers’ Centre by a small group of local teachers to further their interest and knowledge of the history of Strabane and district. The group widened the circle of interest to include the general public as it was felt that there was a vast wealth of local expertise in the community.
To date the society has presented a vast range of topics of local and national interest from the Hiring Fairs, The Canal, The Carricklee Races, the story of the Railways, Strabane Workhouse, the architecture of Strabane and many other features. History field trips have included visits to the Wilson House, Holyhill House, Cavanacor House in Lifford, Doe Castle, Dunafanaghy Workhouse, Derek Hill’s House at Churchill and the Titanic Quarter, Belfast.
Publications include a history of the Hiring Fairs, a History of the Immaculate Conception, Fair River Valley, By the Banks of the Mourne, Strabane through the Millennium and six volumes of Concordia. In 2013, the Society welcomed the inclusion of Strabane Family History Group. The new committee has been very encouraged by the support it has received from those who are interested in local history and the large attendance at the monthly meetings. Although the Society prepares a programme of events at the beginning of the year, some of the presentations and events may change. The Society meets on the last Thursday of each month in the Music Rooms on John Wesley Street (see map at the bottom of this page). Please check the local press for up-dates or come back to the website.
The Society meets on the last Thursday of each month in the Library at Abercorn Square.Further details of the activities of the Society are available from any the committee members, via the contact form or email info@strabanehistorysociety.org.
2024-2025 Committee Members
President: Mrs Bridie McGillian
Chairman: Michael Kennedy
Treasurer: Pat McGuigan
Secretary: John Dooher
Click here to download the Strabane History Society Membership form.
Below is a map to where the current meetings are being held in Strabane. Known as the Music Rooms, they are located on the 2nd floor, above Ronan McAnenny Estate Agents. Access is via the gates at the side of the building, next to the Post Office.
