Of hearth and home: the material biography of an Irish cabin

SUMMARY

The authors blend archaeological data with ethnographic, archival, and historical accounts to tell the story of a post-Famine stone cabin in County Cork, Ireland that was inhabited between 1860 and 1915. Research reveals the stories of the two families that once lived in the cabin and connects them to broader issues of land ownership, politics, and social dynamics. These issues came to a head in 1915, when one family was evicted from the property and the cabin was set ablaze. Artefacts found in situ speak to the complexities of everyday life and reveal localized expressions of identity and belonging.

Acknowledgments

At the University of Maryland, we would like to acknowledge several people who are instrumental in making this research program possible including Paul Shackel (department chair at the time of the project’s beginning) and Sybil Paige (department administrator) for providing support and encouragement, and maintaining the complex logistical structure needed to successfully run and maintain an international field school. Also invaluable in the latter is the entire staff at University of Maryland’s Education Abroad office. Last in this category, but certainly not least, are the students participating in the 2018 and 209 field schools who literally did all of the heavy lifting in weather sunny or raining. They are Caoilinn Andrews, Nataline Beckley, Cameron Daisy, Ismael Gonzalez-Prieto, Winston Miller, Justin Mohammadi, Russell Nesbitt, Shelby Patrick, Tamara Schlossenberg Abigail Johnson, Charlotte Bickhart, Jamie Colopietro, Jacob Ekert, Ahna Feldstein, Sean Fitzgerald, Nicole Hultquist, Erin Moore, Rachel Miller, Abigail Pytlewski, and Jillian Seay. This project would not have been a success without them. In Ireland, we would like to thank James Collins and family. It was on the Collins family property where we conducted the field school and their generosity, patience, and friendship made us all feel welcome and at home. We would not have been able to do any of this without their keen interest in the local history. Also in the context of keen insights and history, we would like to especially thank Terri Kearney of the Skibbereen Heritage Centre. Since the very beginning Terri has been a key player in this research program. She has opened doors and given us a whole new world to explore in and around Skibbereen. Her wealth of knowledge and keen insights have not only helped this research program immensely but have in fact pushed the bounds of heritage and history from the Skibbereen-area to the national level. Her work is of the utmost importance in understanding and remembering the people and the events leading up to the Great Hunger. With that said, we know Terri would say it is not a job done in isolation, so we would like to thank the entire staff of the Skibbereen Heritage Centre. Particularly, we would like to thank Phillip O’Regan and Margaret Murphy who have been as generous with their time, patience, and knowledge. The project has succeeded simply based on the great deal of knowledge learned from and unselfishly given by Terri, Phillip, and Margaret. We are truly humbled by their insights and knowledge. Finally, we would like to acknowledge the generosity and the friendships made in the town of Skibbereen. The entire town is always welcoming and always supportive and kind. It truly is a wonder place full of inspiring and lovely people.