Francis Joseph Bigger (conversation with Myrtle Hill & Ruth Taillon)

Francis Joseph Bigger (1863-1926) was surely worthy of Roger Dixon’s label – ‘Ulster’s Don Quixote’. From his home on Belfast’s Antrim Road, surrounded by major figures of Ireland’s cultural and political revival, he enthusiastically promoted all aspects of his country’s Celtic heritage. We will consider the life of this Antiquarian, conservationist and author who passionately endorsed traditional festivals, literature, art and music. Dr Myrtle Hill will be in conversation with Ruth Taillon.

Dr. Myrtle Hill was formerly a Senior Lecturer and Director of the QUB’s Centre for Women’s Studies. She has published widely on Irish Women’s, Religious and Social History.  Having retired from academia, she remains active in the wider women’s and community relations sectors in the North of Ireland.

Ruth Taillon was Chair of the Mary Ann McCracken Historical Society from 1992 until 2002 and a former Director of the Centre for Cross Border. The author of, When History Was Made: The Women of 1916, she is currently working on a biography of Mary Alice McNeill.