Now We’re Talking” Project Sam Hanna Bell and Michael J Murphy

Unlocking Cultural Archives: Sam Hanna Bell & Michael J. Murphy

This project will catalogue and expand access to the archives of two important cultural figures: Sam Hanna Bell and Michael J Murphy.

Although coming from different traditions, Michael J Murphy and Sam Hanna Bell were friends and collaborators. Their archives document the rich folklore, oral traditions and cultural heritage of Northern Ireland. 

The initiative is part of Archives Revealed partnership programme led by The National Archives, in collaboration with the Pilgrim Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Together, they aim to unlock collections across the UK and build long-term archival skills.

To achieve this, the project will combine PRONI’s archival expertise with the Nerve Centre’s experience of using creativity and technology to deliver inter-generational community engagement. 

The project will also draw on wider support from the families of Sam Hanna Bell and Michael J Murphy, the National Folklore Collection at University College Dublin, BBC NI, Northern Ireland Screen and Cuimhneamh, based in Tí Chulainn. Cuimhneamh works to raise awareness of Michael J. Murphy’s life and legacy. Each November, they host the Michael J. Murphy Winter School.

Members of the public can follow the process of cataloguing the archives (PRONI catalogue reference numbers D4642 and D4643) in a series of monthly blogs.