Guest Speaker Talks
Approved speaker for the Federation of Women’s Institute
I give engaging talks based on real family history discoveries, bringing to life the remarkable stories hidden within ordinary families. Through carefully researched case studies, my talks explore themes such as Irish migration, famine survival, social mobility, and the unexpected twists that family history can reveal. Most people think family history is just names and dates on a chart. But when you start digging, you uncover stories you never expected — criminals, entrepreneurs, survivors, and sometimes people who quietly changed history. Blending historical research with storytelling, my talks are designed to be both informative and entertaining, making them ideal for Women’s Institute groups, heritage organisations, libraries, and educational settings.
THE PRINCE OF DISTILLERS
The story of a notorious 19th century outlaw – and the family secret that survived 200 years
HEADMISTRESS OF CLONTIBRET
The story of a famine orphan who shaped future generations through education & resilience
ARTHUR – MILKMAN TO MILLIONAIRE
The story of one man’s incredible journey from post-famine Northern Ireland to New Jersey
FROM SOAP SELLER TO SENATOR
The remarkable rise of James Couzens who could hardly have imagined the path his life would take
THE JOY OF GENEALOGY
Family trees are not just names & dates. Research can uncover some extraordinary human stories
THE GREAT FAMINE
A humble potato, a deadly blight & a famine that reshaped Ireland and millions of lives forever
EDUCATIONAL TALKS
Colleges & Universities
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Heritage Groups & Libraries
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
W.I. Groups across the UK
Talks that are adapted to suit students studying history, sociology, or social history themes like migration and famine survival.
Duration: 1 hour including discussion.
Fee: £150 plus travel expenses.
I also give talks to historical societies, libraries, heritage groups and other organisations interested in social and family history.
Duration: approx 1 hour including Q & A
Fee: £120 plus travel expenses.
As an approved Women’s Institute federation speaker, I offer a specially tailored talk format for WI meetings.
Duration: approx 45 minutes, including Q & A
Fee: £75 plus travel expenses
If you would like to discuss a booking or check availability, please feel free to get in touch via the contact page.
** If your group enjoyed my talk and you know of another organisation that might also be interested, please feel free to pass on my details. **
Interested in learning more about researching your own family history?
I also offer small-group family history workshops, where participants can learn practical research techniques and work together to solve their own genealogical puzzles.