Newtown School Waterford and SETU Libraries are thrilled to announce the launch of a fantastic collaboration on a digital outreach project.
We are currently working alongside SETU Libraries in digitising a number of artefacts from the school’s archives. These archives contain a wealth of information detailing the school’s history and house a number of unique artefacts, including a book from 1898 commemorating the school’s centenary anniversary.
In celebration of Newtown School’s 225th anniversary, the ongoing digitisation of these artefacts offers a broader public perspective into the school’s rich history, while also providing a glimpse into an integral facet of Waterford City’s own history.
Preserving Our School's Legacy
The school is ecstatic to see such a vast collection of its history being brought into the digital realm. This historical archive offers incredible insights into school life over the years, and we are very excited to see what the future holds for this project.
It is important that this information is continually passed down to future generations. The ability to access this information allows individuals to gain a greater understanding of our culture and heritage as a community, both then and now. Providing the greater public with this information also helps to foster a sense of shared heritage and community pride.
By making our historical archive accessible, we aim to engage and connect with a wider audience, ensuring that the collective narrative of our school and community remains an open book for all to explore and appreciate.
1798 - 1898
Newtown School Centenary
One of the first artefacts from the school’s archive that has been digitised is the Newtown School Centenary from 1798 to 1898. These historic records include papers that were read at the Centenary Meetings, A Record of Proceedings, Lists of Old and New Scholars along with further information about our ongoings during this time period along with some fascinating illustrations of Newtown School.
Newtown School Centenary: 1798-1898
1798 - 1891
List of Scholars at Newtown School
The second item from the archives which has been digitised is the List of Scholars at Newtown School between the years 1798 to 1891. An insightful account of all students who passed through the school during this time.
Further lists of scholars along with school reports can be found in the school archives and will later be digitised as a part of this project.
List of Scholars at Newtown School Waterford 1798 to 1891
1899 - 1953
Newtown & Mountmellick Old Scholars' Association Yearly Reports
Check out this fantastic interactive e-book case of the Newtown & Mountmellick Old Scholars’ Association Yearly Reports. These reports give brilliant insights into details of general meetings, sports match reports, news of Old Scholars, treasurers reports and much more.
Newtown School would like to say a special thank you to the staff at SETU and in particular, Kieran Cronin, the Special Collections, Heritage & Outreach Librarian and also to SETU’s graphic designer John Moloney who has been invaluable in assisting with creating the digital images. We would also like to thank Gráinne Doran, Archivist and her staff at Wexford County Archive to allow us to utilise their state-of-the-art Bookeye 4 V1A digital book scanner. Without their hard work, this project would not be possible.
The school would also like to thank our previous Headmaster Roger Johnson and his wife Joan, a convenor of the School Archives committee, both of whom are responsible for the amazing upkeep of the Newtown Archives and for providing us with fascinating insights about our history. Roger and Joan do tremendous work in supporting the school and we are forever grateful for their dedication.
This information has been provided as a free service for the greater public to access as part of the collaborative project between the SETU Libraries and Newton School Waterford.
If you wish to use the information provided in the digital archive for purposes beyond personal or educational use, please contact Newtown School Waterford for permission. Unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution of the digital archive content may be subject to legal action.
For inquiries and permissions, please contact the school administration – [email protected]
Newtown School is a registered charity and it operates on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis. Each year its fee levels are set to achieve a break even position on normal school activities.
All donations to Newtown School are sincerely appreciated and go a long way in supporting day to day running.
