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Mulvihill produced and edited two books about historic Irish women scientists: Lab Coats and Lace (Dublin, 2009) and Stars, Shells and Bluebells (Dublin, 1997), (as its publisher, see WITS series for research material for this book). She also wrote a guide for more sustainable living in Drive like a Woman, Shop like a Man (Dublin, 2009). There are some research materials relating to this title within this series but the bulk of its material relates to her seminal book Ingenious Ireland: A County-by-County Exploration of Irish Mysteries and Marvels, which was originally published in 2002 and again after her death in 2019.

It is widely recognised as an outstanding piece of individual research that gave life to the memory of people and places in Ireland associated with scientific, medical and engineering achievements. Other writings within this series are poems written by Mulvihill soon after she left Trinity College in the 1980s and some preparation material for her Ingenious Dublin guidebook. However, the exhaustive research undertaken by Mulvihill for her seminal work provides the content for the most part.

Material examining the scientific and technological history of county Antrim and Belfast city. The information is contained in annotated and unannotated questionnaires, magazine articles, journal articles, correspondence and published pamphlets/leaflets.
Includes: a colour photograph of aircraft production at the Shorts factory in Belfast, colour photographs and slides of the statues of William Thomson (1st Baron Kelvin), the Belfast born mathematician, physicist and engineer.

Monochrome photographs of various engineering works in Belfast during the early 20th century, a pamphlet and completed questionnaire from Queen’s University in Belfast, pamphlets and other information about the Carrckfergus Gasworks, information on eel fishing in Lough Neagh, information from Irish Salt Mining and Exploration Ltd about Kilroot Salt Mine in county Antrim, a Press Release from Ballymena Borough Council (25 November 1998) about preparation for sustainable energy in Antrim.

Pamphlets and leaflets from the National Trust and the Northern Irish Tourist Board, a letter from Gloria Forner (24 November 1997) to Mary Mulvihill with enclosed informational material about the Giants Causeway Centre, letter from Dr Steve Lowry of Ulster University, Coleraine (14 April 2000) to Mulvihill, enclosing a photograph of a diatomite, a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that can be found in Antrim.

Large file of material covering Dublin City and County. Includes: Annotated books by Elizabeth Healy, The River Gods (Dublin, 1998), Edward McParland, The Custom House, Dublin (Dublin,1991) and a pamphlet on Trinity College Dublin from the Irish Heritage Series (Dublin, 1979). A profile and history of the Poolbeg Generating Station and other information from the ESB (Electricity Supply Board).

Annotated biographical information on William Molyneux (1656-1698), a Dublin-born writer on science, politics and natural philosophy, information on the development of gasworks in Ringsend, a Press Release from 2001 publicising a commemoration of George Francis Fitzgerald (1851-1901), academic and physicist who served as Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy at Trinity College, Dublin, a letter from Anne-Marie Diffley (25 April 1997), to Mulvihill, enclosing information about the scientific heritage of Trinity College, most notably within the College’s Geology Museum and Weingreen Museum and annotated information about Chester Beatty (1875-1968) and the formation of his library in Dublin Castle.

A folder of information from Guinness/Diageo describing the technological changes of the brewery over several centuries,
annotated pamphlet and booklet from the School of Cosmic Physics, a faculty within the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, as well as a booklet and annotated pamphlets from the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal Irish Academy. An Annotated lecture by John Lucey entitled Encounters with Nature. This lecture was part of the Royal Irish Academy’s History of Science seminar on 27 Sept. 2013. Mulvihill’s notes accompany the print-outs.

Written notes and other information about William Rowan Hamilton, the Dublin-born mathematician, astronomer, and physicist who helped establish Dunsink Observatory. There is also accompanying material about that the Observatory itself, annotated research material about Fingal, including Malahide Castle and historical farming practices within the same area.
A letter from Nathalie Morgado, from the Musee Des Arts et Metiers in Paris (22 June 2000), to Muvihill, supplying information on Lucien Bull, a pioneer in chronophotography. Bull was born in Dublin but lived most of his life in France.

Information on the scientific development of Dublin Zoo, a letter from Roderick Kernan, Emeritus Professor of Physiology (25 Sept. 2003), to Mulvihill, sharing his insights on scientific developments in Ireland over the previous 50 years, correspondence and a completed questionnaire from the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (April 3 1997), to Mulvihill, annotated information and published material about the history of printing in Dublin as well as correspondence and historical information from Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown Heritage Centre.

A letter from Tom Wall, Telecom Eireann Museum (4 March 1999), to Mulvihill, enclosing photocopies of some the museum’s exhibits, CD-ROM from Marsh’s Library and monochrome photographs of the development of the Ringsend Gasworks site and of Dunsink Observatory.

Material collated by Mulvihill about science and technology in Fermanagh. The file includes handwritten notes and structural ideas for the chapter, and a returned questionnaire and further information from Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre. Annotated information on James Gamble, the Fermanagh-born industrialist who co-founded the Proctor and Gamble Company in 1837. A floppy disc containing photographs of engineering works on the Erne River. Returned questionnaires and other information about the Marble Arch Caves and the horticultural science practised within the Crom Estate in Newtownbutler.

A large file containing research material on Galway City and County. Includes: annotated pamphlets, with one on the establishment of the Geological Sciences in Queen’s College Galway (UCG, 1996). Also a booklet by David Harper, An Irish Geological Time Capsule (Galway, 1996), annotated research material on Richard Kirwan, the Galway-born chemist and mineralogist, and material on Glengowla Mines, an historic 19th century silver and lead mine in Oughterard, county Galway. Returned questionnaire and 9 colour photographs of various exhibits within Galway City Museum, a letter from Paul Mohr (18 Dec.1997) to Mulvihill, enclosing material on John Birmingham, a Tuam-based landlord and scientist. Information on seaweed and algae in Galway as their uses as fertiliser and food.

Material collated by Mulvihill about science and technology in county Kerry. Includes: annotated pamphlets Killarney National Park (Dublin, 1995), Matthew Parkes, The Valentia Island Tetrapod Trackway (Kildare, 2004) and the Irish Bio-geographical Society Bulletin, no. 23, (Dublin, 1999).

A CD-ROM containing information and images from Peter Coxon, Professor of Geography at Trinity College, Dublin, hand drawn diagrams and information on the Glensk Viaduct on the Killorglin-Valentia Railway. Returned questionnaires and further information supplied to Muvihill from the Kerry County Museum and Blennerville Windmill Company, a large amount of annotated material focusing on the Cahirciveen Generating Station as well as a returned questionnaire from the Electricity Supply Board that runs that particular station.

4 colour photographs and further information from White Villa Farm Museum in Killarney, annotated press cuttings dealing with the scientific and natural history of Kerry. Notes and structural ideas handwritten by Mulvihill.

Includes: a letter from Robert Guinness (30 April 2001) to Mulvihill, enclosing 2 floppy discs from the Steam Museum in Straffen, Kildare. The discs contain photographs and further information about the museum. Handwritten notes and annotated photocopies of published material on explorer Ernest Shackleton, who was born in Kilkea, County Kildare, an annotated pamphlet on Maynooth College by Micheal Ledwith, Maynooth College (Maynooth, 1984).

Annotated copy of Jeremiah Newman St. Patrick’s College Maynooth (Irish Heritage Series, no. 47), annotated information and Press Release from the Institute of Physics about Nicolas Callan, inventor of the Induction Coil while a priest at Maynooth College. A booklet by PJ McLaughlin, Nicolas Callan, Professor of Natural Philosophy, 1799-1864 (Maynooth, 2000), heavily annotated by Mulvihill.

Includes: annotated diagrams, pictures and biographical information on Robert Fulton, the American submarine and steam engine inventor whose father lived in Kilkenny before emigratingto the U.S. Annotated information on the engineering efforts that were required to build St Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny City, information on Dunmore Caves, supplied by the Office of Public Works.

Also, correspondence containing further information on mining and fossils from the Castlecomer Demesne Company, with accompanying handwritten notes by Mulvihill. Handwritten notes and information on glass production in the county, engineering achievements of prehistoric people in the making of Knockroe passage grave and tomb as well as Mulvihill’s notes and ideas on chapter structure.

Includes 2 colour photographs, a returned questionnaire and further information on the Donaghmore Workhouse Museum. Also annotated biographical information on William Dargan, one of the most important Irish engineers of the 19th century. There is also a floppy disc containing a portrait of Dargan that was supplied to Mulvihill by Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Rail).

Includes: a letter from Sean Ó Suilleabhain (11 August 1999) to Mulvihill, enclosing information about the growth and use of furze in the county over the centuries, a letter from Catherine O’Keeffe (12 March 2001), enclosing a booklet about heritage trail development/environmental management in Leitrim.

Annotated biographical material on William Thomas Mulvany, the architect and entrepreneur responsible for choosing and costing the route of the Ballyconnell/Ballinamore canal. Information on the Cavan-Leitrim Railroad Museum in Dromod, and annotated material on Ballinamore Local Museum. Also, handwritten notes coal mining and iron smelting within the county.

Includes: annotated material on Foynes Flying Boat Museum, along with enclosed postcards of aircraft and a returned questionnaire, information on Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre, annotated research material on Aughinish Alumina Refinery on Aughinish Island and information on Croom Mills Visitor Centre. Annotated material on the building of Sarsfield Bridge in Limerick City.

One folder of research material on County Longford. Includes annotated material relating to the red squirrel population in the county and the efforts to stop the invasive grey species. Several annotated pieces about Richard Lovell Edgeworth, the well-known politician, writer and inventor. He was also the father of Irish author, Maria Edgeworth.

Miscellaneous research material covering the county of Armagh. The material includes returned questionnaires, letters, pamphlets, tourist brochures and official publications submitted to Mulvihill by scientific organisations within the county. Many of the clippings and photocopies are annotated by Mulvihill as part of her structural approach to Ingenious Ireland. Includes: a letter from Eamon Rafferty, Secretary of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (13 Jan 1997), to Mulvihill, enclosing a photograph of the institution. Colour and monochrome photographs of scientific instruments held at the Observatory and pre-printed journal articles from the Observatory relating to Meterology and Climate.

Information from the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre in Craigavon including several pamphlets published by the Centre. A letter from Dr Greer Ramsay, the Deputy Curator of the Armagh County Museum (24 April 1997), to Mulvihill, enclosing information and a completed questionnaire about the institution, an annotated copy of a journal article about the Breens of Armagh, a family of astronomers that lived in the 19th century.

Includes: annotated material on the Boyne Viaduct and Louth-born explorer, Francis Leopold McClintock, annotated material on Alexander Mitchell, a civil engineer and the original patent holder for screw-piles and moorings that were used in shipping. Annotated material on John MacNeill, the Dundalk-born engineer, inventor and architect, a map of County Louth and a photograph from the National Library of Ireland displaying an image of the Boyne Viaduct. Written notes and chapter structure by Mulvihill.

Includes: Letter from Margaret Gallagher (3 Sept. 2002) to Mulvihill, enclosing a map of Ballycroy National Park, the area of which is marked by blue and green colours and annotated by Mulvihill, correspondence to Mulvihill from Duchas, the Irish Heritage Service, supplying information about the Cong Canal and National Parks within the county of Mayo. Returned and annotated questionnaire from the Ceide Fields Visitor Centre.

Proposal for a survey of Clare Island, published by the Royal Irish Academy and annotated by Mulvihill, information on Foxford Woollen Mills and Knock Folk Museum. Returned questionnaire, brochure and annotated notes on Doon Archaeological and Nature Peninsula.

Includes: annotated supplement to Archaeology Ireland (Vol.1, No.3), which covers the archaeological engineering involved in Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth and the River Boyne. Annotated notes accompanying a chapter on Irish Stone Bridges that was published by the Irish Academic Press in 1991. Written by Peter O’Keeffe and Tom Simington.

Colour photograph of Passage Grave at Newgrange. Information on mining in Meath and annotated notes on Francis Beaufort, the hydrographer and inventor of the Beaufort Scale. Annotated material on the practice of Ballooning in Meath, as well as notes on chapter structure.

A folder of material that includes annotated research material on Tassan Lead Mine. Annotated material on John Robert Gregg who was born in Monaghan in 1867. Gregg invented the Gregg Shorthand method of writing that was adopted by many journalists and stenographers in the twentieth century.

Concentrating heavily Birr Castle and the Parsons family, this file includes: A research report entitled Ladies of Birr Castle focusing on the lives of Lady Mary Ward and Lady Mary, Countess of Rosse. Both women were scientific pioneers in the nineteenth century. Annotated material from Birr Castle Demesne and the building of Parson’s Telescope, the largest telescope in the world for many years.

Annotated research material on John Joly, the Offaly born geologist, physicist and mineralogist, information on the history of distilling in Tullamore, research material on the boglands of the county and how fuel is derived for electricity.

The file includes annotated research on William Wilde. Wilde was a Roscommon-born ophthalmologist and author of significant works on medicine, archaeology and folklore. He was the father of Oscar Wilde. There is also an annotated pamphlet on Lough Key Forest Park as well as material on the Famine Museum in Strokestown House. Also material on the House itself.

Contains material on the mining industry at Berehaven Mines and the Ben Bulben Barite Mine. Annotated material on George Stokes, the physicist and mathematician who was born in Skreen. Also material on the astronomer, Edward Cooper, who resided at Markree castle near Collooney.

Includes: Letter from Sean Watts (3 May 2000), to Mulvihill, enclosing a large amount of information about The Mining Company of Ireland and the Slievardagh Collieries between 1825-1995. Material sent to Mulvihill by professor Michael G Harrington about the physiologist and biochemist, Edward Conway, who was born in Nenagh in 1916, a returned questionnaire and additional information about Mitchelstown Cave in Cahir.

A letter from Sandra Peavoy (17 Feb 1998), to Mulvihill, enclosing research material in relation to the Silvermines site in Shalee, information on Charles Bianconi, the Italian-Irish entrepreneur who became known for his innovations in transport and was twice mayor of Clonmel, in County Tipperary, as well as colour and monochrome photographs of geological features and mining shafts within the Shalee/Silvermines area.

Material includes annotated information about Annie Scott Dill Maunder (née Russell), the Strabane born scientist, who was one of the leading astronomers of her time. A letter from John A Walsh (14 Aug. 1997), to Mulvihill, enclosing information and pamphlets on the Ulster American Folk Park situated near Omagh. Information on the industrial heritage of Tyrone as well as handwritten notes on the structure and content of this chapter.

Includes annotated material on glass making in the area. A returned questionnaire and further information from the Waterford Glass Factory and a floppy disc containing the image of Ernest Thomas Walton, the Waterford-born physicist and Nobel laureate. There is further annotated material about Walton as well as material on the Kilmeaden Steam Railway. There is also material on woodcraft along the ‘copper coast’ of the county as well as notes on chapter structure and content.

Research material examining the scientific and technological history of County Carlow. Includes: a letter and enclosed lecture from David Spearman to Mulvihill (31 March 2003). Spearman had written a lecture about Samuel Haughton, a Medical Doctor and scientific writer, who was born in Carlow in 1821. Spearman also provided Mulvihill with a published pamphlet of the lecture.

A letter from Patrick Comerford of Teagasc (Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority), to Mulvihill (1 December 1997).
Comerford provides information on Oak Park Research Centre in Carlow. Also, annotated information on John Tyndall (1820-1893), the prominent Carlow born physicist, the history of, and other information regarding, the sugar beet industry in Carlow.

Includes handwritten notes on chapter structure and content. Also material on Daramona Observatory, which is located between Mullingar and Longford. Information on Locke’s Distillery in Kilbeggan and hopes for a transport museum within the county.

Includes: several annotated pamphlets including For the Safety of All, published by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, The South Wexford Coast by Jim Hurley (Wexford, 1994), A Guide to the Irish Agricultural Museum by Austin M. O’Sullivan (IAM, 1996) and Treasures of Tacumshane, 1797-1997, edited by Hilary Murphy (Wexford, 1998). A book by Jim Hurley entitled Water Level at Lady’s Island Lake, 1984-1996 (Wexford, 1997).

Annotated material on the Tacumshane Windmill and its method of operation, a letter from Austin O’Sullivan (17 Feb. 1997), to Mulvihill, enclosing information about the Irish Agricultural Museum in Wexford, particularly their exhibits of calculating machines and laboratory equipment. Letter from Derville Killian (4 Feb. 1999), to Mulvihill, enclosing information on the Hook Lighthouse and their plans to develop a Heritage Centre there. Also, annotated material on Wexford County Museum, located at Enniscorthy Castle, as well as handwritten notes on chapter structure and content.

Includes: annotated material and information regarding mining in Wicklow National Park and engineering achievements on the Wicklow rail network, a report from the Geological Survey of Ireland examining the ‘Liscolman Radiometric Anomoly’ in the county. Several Ordinance Survey and Coillte Maps of Wicklow. An oversized pamphlet entitled, Wicklow in the Ice Age: an introduction and guide to the Glacial Geology of the Wicklow District, by William P. Warren (Geological Survey of Ireland, 1993).

Annotated material on mining in Luganure and Glendalough, an oversized pamphlet examining the life of John Purser Griffith, the civil engineer and politician, and returned questionnaires from Avoca Mines, Arklow Maritime Museum and the Charles Stewart Parnell Museum. Annotated research material on the National Environmental Education Centre in Enniskerry, as well as handwritten notes on the structure and content of the Wicklow section within Ingenious Ireland.

Geological sources for Ingenious Ireland. Includes: A booklet, entitled Written in Stone by Padhraig S. Keenan (1995). This booklet was produced to complement the television series, which marked the 150th anniversary of the Geological Survey of Ireland. A pamphlet entitled Field Guide to the Geology of Some Localities in County Dublin by Patrick Wyse Jackson, Jeremy Stone, Matthew Parkes and Ian Sanders, (Dublin, 1993).

A floppy disc containing ‘Irish Engineers Blogs’, dated from 16 January 1998, a map of the geological formations in the north of Ireland, as well as booklet entitled Our Book Underground, that was published by the Geological Survey of Ireland and ENFO in 1995. Also, 6 factsheets from the Irish Association for Economic Geology. Handwritten notes and a glossary for technical geological terms.

Includes: Handwritten notes and a typed proposal for the book. A letter from Mulvihill (9 Nov. 1998), to John Leonard of Geological Survey of Ireland. Mulvihill seeks permission to use GSI diagrams in the introduction to Eureka Guide: Ireland explored and explained. This eventually became the introduction for Ingenious Ireland. Letter from RJ Bleakley (26 Feb. 1998), enclosing publications and other information on nature reserves in Northern Ireland. Hand written notes on form, structure and content of the book’s introduction.

Includes: 4 floppy discs containing images from the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, several books of stamps with science-related images that were forwarded to Mulvihill by An Post, a book from An Post, entitles Postage Stamps of Ireland (Dublin, 1992), which features the artwork of Irish stamps since the foundation of the state and 3 floppy discs forwarded to Mulvihill by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. They contain images of the lighthouse at Spit Bank in county Cork.

11 monochrome photographs of The River Gods, which are wax reproductions of stone carvings on Irish stone bridges. Various photographs of landscapes and buildings, including a portrait of Michael Faraday (1791-1867), Trinity College Dublin and the Burren district in county Clare. Symbolic artwork is also included within the file as well as notes, invoices and annotated research material.

Includes: 1 box labelled ‘People A-J’, 1 box labelled ‘People K-Z’, 1 box labelled ‘Topics A-E’, 1 box labelled ‘Topics F-Z’, 1 box labelled ‘Pix, Maps, Misc. Topics etc’. 1 unlabelled box. Smaller in size and containing headed cards with no further information.

Research material covering the County of Cavan. Includes correspondence and information supplied to Mulvihill from Cavan County Museum, Carraig Craft Visitors Centre, the Life-Force Mill and details of gypsum mining in the county. There is also a floppy disc containing photographs of Cavan County Museum. The images were taken by Marcus Daly Photographs.

Includes: Monochrome photographs of botanic specimens and and growth in the Burren area of county Clare, a CD-ROM from the ESB Archives (Electricity Supply Board) with information on the Hydro-electric power plant at Ardnacrusha, a letter from Anita Hayes to Mulvihill (8 May 1997) supplying information about the Irish Seed Saver Association in Scariff, county Clare. Several returned questionnaires from various scientific and heritage institutions in the county.

Scientific and technological research on both Cork City and County. Includes: A letter from George Reynolds (22 March 2001), to Mulvihill, enclosing a chapter he wrote for the European Geologist Journal, about the Cork-born geologist, William Bowles. Information, correspondence and good quality postcards from Beamish & Crawford brewery in Cork city, information from Marathon International Petroleum Ireland about its work on the Kinsale oil and gas field and a floppy disc containing photographs of the Cork Powder Mills, forwarded by Cork County Council.

Also, colour photographs of Mizen Head Footbridge, correspondence and information from Meitheal Mara, a group dedicated to the preservation of maritime heritage, a letter from Elizabeth Kearns (5 May 1998), to Mulvihill, informing her about an exhibition of historical radio equipment at Cork City Gaol during 1998 and correspondence from University College Cork about its Geological Museum on campus. Handwritten notes by Mulvihill the proposed structure of her chapter about County Cork.

2 folders of research material pertaining to the scientific/technological aspects of County Derry. Includes returned questionnaires from various organisations, annotated notes on previously published material, enclosed original material from hydro-electricity generation on the River Roe near Limavady. Also material on Derry’s linen industry and its technological innovations. And the measuring or ‘triangulation’ of Lough Foyle.

Material collated by Mulvihill about science and technology in Donegal. Includes a visitor’s handbook titled Glenveagh National Park; A Remote and Hauntingly Beautiful Wilderness (Government of Ireland, 1996). The book is annotated by Mulvihill. Also a pamphlet by Christopher Moriarty entitled The Reverend WS Green: Explorer and Fishery Scientist (RIA, 1995). Other material covers the Fintown Railway, diamond exploration in Donegal and Thomas Drummond, mathematician, inventor and Irish under-secretary from 1835-1840.

Research material on Nendrum Monastery, a Christian monastery on Mahee Island in Strangford Lough, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Holywood, medieval fish traps off the coast of the county and Harry Ferguson (1884-1960), a Down-born mechanic and inventor, noted for his role in the development of the modern agricultural tractor and its three point linkage system.

Also, handwritten notes by Mulvihill on the structure of the county Down chapter as well as research on Down County Museum, North Down Heritage centre and Castlewellen Forest Park.

Includes: Early ideas and proposals for a book about the economics of environmental sustainability. Layout design with annotated ideas and suggestions. Report from a conference on environmental ethics that was published by the Irish Council for Bioethics in October 2007. Ideas about sustainability called 101 ways to go a little greener, as well as press cuttings and other annotated research pieces that were used in the development of the book.

Includes: annotated material covering the historic development of Merrion Square in Dublin, a letter from Kieran O’Neill (24 March 2015), to Mulvihill, confirming her appointment by Dublin City Council to create an interactive project at the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square. A pamphlet entitled the Feminist Walking Tour of Dublin by Choice Ireland and RAG (Revolutionary Anarcha Feminist Group). Also, the Dublin Port Masterplan, 2012-2040 along with many other annotated pieces of research that examine the history and future of Dublin Port.

1 box

Includes: pamphlet entitled, The Cause of the Calamity (Dublin, 1995) by E. Charles Nelson. The pamphlet is heavily annotated. A pre-published version of a chapter for the American Phytopathological Society’s journal, entitled The Formative Years of Plant Pathology in the United States, an Annual Report from the International Potato Centre (1994), and a research notebook of Mulvihill’s marked ‘Blight’. A letter from Paul D. Peterson Jnr (2 Oct. 1995), to Mulvihill. Peterson worked at the North Carolina State University and encloses several research items about blight epidemics and potato rot.

Speech by Michael D. Higgins as then Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht on 14 September 1995, to mark the official opening of the ‘Famine 150’ Commemorative Exhibition, a Press Release by Teagasc (Agriculture and Food Development Authority) about the ‘Famine 150’ Exhibition at the RDS and a Directory of Commemorative Events in Ireland and Abroad, published by the Famine Commemoration Committee in September 1995. Handwritten notes by Mulvihill on the movement of potato blight between the American continent and Europe, a book by Cormac Ó Gráda entitled The Great Irish Famine (Dublin, 1989). There are many handwritten notes by Mulvihill about the book.

A letter from J.A. Kavanagh (2 Nov. 1994), to Mulvihill. Kavanagh was a Professor of Plant Pathology in University College Dublin. Along with the covering letter, Professor Kavanagh enclosed a copy of a report about the biology and control of potato blight.

The pages of poetry within the file are photocopies of the original longhand script. There are also photocopied images of typed verse by Mulvihill. Also included is The Web: New Writing by Women, Volume 1, 1987.

A short file of personal correspondence that discusses matters of scientific inquiry. Also includes a personal diary that Mulvihill kept on a trip to the United States in 1980.

Material on the publicity and launch of Ingenious Ireland in 2002. Several reviews of the book are also included as press cuttings. Most of the photographs are informal in nature but there is also a studio portrait of Mulvihill that was used in the publicity campaign. As well as physical photographs, there are also many included on a CD-ROM of the same event.

WITS is a voluntary, independent organisation advocating, connecting and acting for women to be full and vital participants in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As a founder of WITS in 1990, Mulvihill was central to the organisation’s vision and overall aims. She also played a vital role in highlighting the often neglected role of women in the history of Irish science. This series of papers comprises of several sub-series detailing the various structures, governance, publications, correspondence and outreach of WITS from its foundation to its contemporary achievements.

Non-continuous run of newsletters published by WITS from nos. 1-48. The newsletters report on AGM meetings, interaction with universities in Ireland and in mainland Europe as well as regional reports and a noticeboard for members to publicise seminars and other meetings. Membership applications are also included in the newsletters along with contemporary accounts of female participation in fields of science and technology.

Resource pack was intended for circulation to second-level schools where it was to be used by girls as part of career investigation projects. It contained 40 biographical career profiles of women working in the science, engineering and technology sectors.
Also Includes: press release from the Minister for Education and Science, Noel Dempsey (28 May 2003) about launching the project, a copy of the speech given by Minister Dempsey at the launch, and a publicity plan for the project, created by WITS.

First CD provides digital imagery for the book and is accompanied by a letter from Linda Montgomery (28 Oct. 2008) of Trinity College, providing permission for use. Inscription on second CD-ROM states that it holds footage from the launch of Lab coats and Lace at the 2009 Dublin Book Festival.

Includes: a letter from Bride Rosney, Special Advisor to President Mary Robinson (6 June 1997), to Mulvihill, concerning the forward of the book, which Robinson agreed to write. A floppy disc for an Apple Mac computer containing written contributions to the book from Patricia Deevy, a letter from Professor Susan McKenna-Lawlor (30 June 1997), to Mulvihill and Jacqueline Allan, Chairperson of WITS, asking for her chapters to be withdrawn from the book, and a list of suggestions for illustrations to accompany the various chapters in the book.

Includes: correspondence from the Heritage Council Of Ireland to WITS rejecting an application to publish the second volume of the book in 2006, and contracts between WITS and the authors of various chapters to Volume 2 of the work. Annotated research material, as well as the foreword to the original book, written by Mary Robinson. Also, a letter from MJP Scannell to Mulvihill (18 Aug. 1996), enclosing research material and other pertinent information.

File includes 7 CD-ROMs containing images and illustrations from the book. There are also 4 photographs featuring images of bog body excavation and research in the midlands of Ireland. These are supplied by the National Museum of Ireland and date from 1998.

WITS organised a high-level scientific forum in December 2003. The guest speaker was Dr Gill Samuels, the director of science policy at Pfizer Global Research Laboratories. The forum recommended a range of measures to encourage women to enter into research and employment within the science and technology sector. This report shares the findings of the forum and the contributions of Dr Samuels.

Press release giving information on the launch of a career guidance CD for schools, featuring women role models with varied careers in science, engineering and technology. There are 2 different drafts of the press release within the file. Also an accompanying booklet.

Includes: Equality for Women Measure Progress Report into the Directory (June 2004), papers relating to the launch of the Talent Bank Directory (12 March 2003), publicity campaign by Molecule Promotions to gain awareness of the Talent Bank (26 March 2003) and press cuttings that publicised the initiative.

The Directory gives the background information to over 150 women who are qualified to be called upon to actively participate on the Boards of State agencies, education bodies, local government and other decision making entities. WITS state that the Directory was compiled after an extensive exercise whereby individuals and organisations were encouraged to nominate individuals for inclusion. They represent expertise in the broad arena of science, engineering and technology. WITS also state that their experience is relevant to industrial development, social policy, health, environment, education and interaction with Europe.

WITS Organisation, Structures and Administration

Includes: agenda and minutes for Inaugural General Meeting at the Clarence Hotel in Dublin (3 March 1990), Minutes of pre-launch meeting held in UCD, Belfield (12 May 1990) and a fax documenting the objectives of a regional structure of WITS (3 September 1991).

Annotated report containing various financial statements, balance sheets, accounting policies and auditing reports.

Various attempts to raise the profile of WITS in the early 1990s. Includes: a letter from Mulvihill, to Larry Donald (August 1990), inquiring about possible sponsorship for the launch of WITS in November 1990. Donald was a management figure within the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). Press Release announcing the forthcoming launch of the organisation and a public inaugural lecture by Mary Cullen of Maynooth College on 19 June 1990. Details of the event are included.

Letter from Ann Burnell (Secretary of WITS) to Committee members about a meeting between them and the Minister for Science and Technology, Michael Smith. Scheduled to take place on 14 December 1990. Letter from Evelyn Stevens (18 April 1990) and Ann Burnell (31 April 1990) to Mulvihill, with information from their respective universities, University College Galway and Maynooth College. The letters include lists of women that have been sent information about the WITS organisation

Handwritten lists of female academics and journalists that will be sent information about the aims of WITS and its launch in November 1990. Also includes names of signed up members written on application dockets.

File includes a ‘Data Protection Undertaking Form’ as part of GDPR protection. This must be signed by any person wishing to see this information.

Details of the activities planned by the organisation for the initial years of its existence. Membership, projects, fundraising, publications, policy documents, seminars and regional meetings. Also includes the Minutes of the first meeting of the WITS Committee at Trinity College, Dublin (17 November 1990), a letter from Mulvihill to WITS members informing them about the organisation’s first AGM. The AGM was held in Dublin City University on the 14 November 1992. Members of the WITS Committee, 1992-1993.

Contains the Association’s General Rules on membership, AGMs, officers, finances and standing orders.

The committee was set up in 1990 to encourage schoolgirls to opt for science subjects and to investigate impediments and prejudices that affected these choices. Its aim was also to encourage girls to enter work or training in technology, engineering, physics and chemistry. Includes a sub-committee report for 1990-1991 and minutes from a sub-committee meeting (10 March 1992) regarding the possibility of publishing a book to further its overall aims in the education sector.

Treasurer’s Reports from March 1991, November 1992 and November 1993.

Minutes and Reports from AGMs in 1992, 1993, 2003 and 2006. Includes the AGM Agenda from 2007.

On 15-16 February 1993, the European Community Directorate General for Science Research and Development (DG XII) organised a workshop to assess the position of women working in science and technology research in Europe. This report is an outline of the workshop proceedings for WITS and for those who provided information on women in S&T research in Ireland for presentation to the workshop.

This conference was held in Dublin Castle and WITS cover the Plenary and Workshop Sessions of the event. The Proceedings present the papers of the speakers at the conference, the workshop reports and the recommendations stemming from the conference.

Draft Report and Recommendations from an EGM held in Dun Laoghaire to seek members’ views on the future of the organisation and to consider if they wanted to continue as an organisation.

Governance, Submissions and Promotion

Documents stating the Association Rules for Members, the Education Policy of WITS, an advice sheet on opening membership up to males, and a Policy Charter on the aims of the organisation, as well as the Secretary’s Report on the organisation from 1991. Also included is a report from Fás (Irish Government’s Training and Employment Authority) entitled Positive Action Programme for Women, a Report on the 1991 Programme and an outline of the 1992 Programme.

Recommendations to State Bodies. Includes: submission to the Department of Education on the Green Paper Education for a Changing World by WITS (.1991), Women in Technology and Science Submission to the Second Commission on the Status of Women (1991), a WITS submission to the Science Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (April 1994) and a submission to a Green Paper on Social Policy (.1994).

Includes: a Networking Directory (names and addresses of female scientists/technicians in Ireland), a list of professional women in S&T who would be available to talk about their careers in schools, particularly girls’ schools in Ireland. A publicity notice for Women in Engineering: Issues, challenges and strategies, a seminar held in November 1991. A speech by Michael Smith, T.D, the Minister for Science and Technology at the opening of the Women in Technology and Science Conference in University College Cork, 25 May 1991. Various posters and leaflets publicising events in 1990 and 1991.

Includes: A letter from Bridgeen McCloskey, to Mulvihill (25 April 1991), concerning the Youth Science and Arts Week at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) in July 1991. McCloskey was the Youth Science Officer at the RDS and invited Mulvihill to deliver a lecture at the event in order to capitalise on the recent launch of WITS. Letter (photocopy) from Bride Rosney, the Special Adviser to President Mary Robinson, to Ann Burnell, Secretary of WITS (23 July 1991), stating that President Robinson would be available to officially open the AGM in DCU on 2 November 1991.

A letter from Carlye Honig, to Mulvihill (2 March 1992). Honig was writing on behalf of the organisation Science Policy Support Group, based in London. This organisation was keen on creating ties with WITS and informing it of events in the UK. Letter from Jill Young, Office Coordinator of the Council for the Status of Women, to Ann Burnell (30 September 1992) confirming WITS affiliation to the CSW.

Several documents relating to a forum held in Dublin on 11 December 2003 called Getting the Balance Right in Irish Science, Engineering and Technology. The guest speaker at the forum was Dr Gill Samuels, the Director of Science Policy at Pfizer Global Research Laboratories. Includes correspondence between Samuels and Mulvihill, as well as correspondence between Samuels and Tanaiste (Deputy PM) Mary Harney about speaking at the WITS organised forum.

Letters, reports, observations and political strategies from the Council for the Status of Women, Eolas (Irish Science and Technology Agency) and Forfás (National Policy and Advisory Board for Enterprise, Trade, Science, Technology and Innovation). Includes: minutes from a CSW meeting on 5 December 1992. CSW National Agenda for the General Election of 1992. The document is entitled, Election ’92 – Putting Democracy to Work for Women, Eolas publication Analysis of PhD and Postdoctoral Studies, Ireland 1974-78 and 1984-88, Eolas Annual Report from 1990.

Letter from Lucy Cusack of Forfás, to Mulvihill (22 May 2003), inviting her to take part in a workshop on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology. Includes 2 Reports of the proceedings.

Letters, programmes and reports from various organisations with ties to the European Union or European funding.
Includes: Letter from JTH Stewart (Commission of European Communities) to Mulvihill (27 March 1991) approving financial contributions to a WITS seminar to be held in Dublin late that year, invitation and subsequent conference report to the WITEC-UETP (Women in Technology in the European Community-University Enterprise Training Partnership) conference in Dublin Castle, 2-4 May 1991, WITEC document, Gender Issues in Technology - Guidelines for Action, a document outlining COMETT, the European Commission’s programme for high-level technology training.

A collection of (mostly colour) photographs and contact prints featuring various book launches, AGMs and seminars.

Includes: a monochrome image of Niamh Breathneach (Minister for Education) and Clare O’Connor (Chairperson of WITS) at the launch of a booklet entitled Suitable jobs for a woman in 1994. Colour photographs of the 1995 WITS AGM, monochrome and colour contact prints of the launch of WITS publication Stars, Shells and Bluebells in 1997. The Minister for Education and Science, Michael Martin is featured attending the event.

Two colour photographs showing members of WITS at the WITEC (European network of organisations and individuals working for the support of women working in science, engineering and technology) conference in Amsterdam in October 1998. Also, colour photographs of the WITS AGM in Dublin in November 1998.

Includes: delegates from WITS and VHTO (Dutch organisation for the promotion of women in SET) in Athens in June 1999, members at a Networking the Networks event in Brussels during 1999, WITS Role Model Day at Colaiste Dhulaigh in Coolock, Dublin in 2003 and the Launch of the Role Model Days book and CD-ROM in 2004.

Cuttings of various events, book launches, book reviews, and publicity drives by the organisation.

Material used by Mulvihill in the tourism sector, principally her walking tours in Dublin and other parts of the country.

Includes: the script of Mulvihill’s audio guided tour of Lord Charlemont’s garden at Marino, County Dublin, as well as the research undertaken to create the script, including the booklets, The Casino at Marino and Charlemont’s Marino. High quality prints of historical maps depicting the Marino and Donnycarney areas of Dublin, annotated research for Mulvihill’s walking tours of Dublin, and applications to the Heritage Council of Ireland for funding to support an audio geological walking tour of Dublin City.

A script for the ‘Ingenious Dublin’ audio tour of Dublin City, correspondence with Waterways Ireland that confirms funding for Mulvihill’s audio guided tour By the Banks of the Barrow. A script of that tour is also present. Annotated research material for a tour of the Industrial Gems of the Boyne and Blackwater in counties Louth and Meath, scripts and research material for Mulvihill’s audio guided tours in county Kildare, particularly around the estates of Castletown and Leixlip.

Material covering The Ingenious Ireland Guide to the Hill of Tara in county Meath, an Agreement between Mulvihill and Ancient Music Ireland to allow her to use its music during her guided tours and podcasts of the Hill of Tara, and a CD of some of the music that Mulvihill used in her podcast and tour. The script of the Hill of Tara tour and associated research items, examples of audio-players that Mulvihill was interested in using on her tours, as well as various ephemera sent to Mulvihill from similar businesses as part of her start-up research. There is also material examining the possibility of setting up an Ingenious Ireland website.

A very large file of 24 folders with diverse material covering Mulvihill’s interests in scientific education, training and research. The file covers a broad range of interests and includes: A heavily annotated book entitled, Blood & Guts, A Short History of Medicine (London, 2003), by Roy Porter, an itinerary and report from the ‘First European Feminist Conference on Reproductive Technologies and Genetic Engineering’ that was held in Spain in October 1986, the itinerary and notes from ‘Irish Origins: The Genetic History and Geography of Ireland’, a conference held in the Royal Irish Academy in December 2000. Research carried out by Mulvihill into the Vartry Reservoir and other infrastructure to supply Dublin city with water. As well as the mining industry in county Wicklow, a
press paper for the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) Festival of Science in May 2005.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) Media and Outreach Strategies, provided by Mulvihill’s Science Media Consultancy, 1 May 2013. A Report entitled Women in Industrial Research; a wakeup call for European Industry (European Commission, 2003),
Annotated launch paper for the ‘Gender Equality Unit’ of the Department of Education and Science (4 December 2001), a strategy for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (November 2002), an invite and programme of the Science on Screen Festival, which Mulvihill helped to organise in March 1997, an annotated preparatory script for the Blood and Guts audio tour of Dublin. Handwritten research notes on Marsh’s Library, and annotated/amended Rules for the Irish Science Journalists Association (December, 1991). Minutes for the ‘RDS Advisory Committee on Science Meeting’, held on 15 June 1993, Mulvihill’s Year Planner and Professional Diary for 1997, and the initial ‘Call for Information’ for the Eureka Guide to Ireland in 1997. This project became Ingenious Ireland in 2002.

16 notebooks of research, ideas and suggestions written by Mulvihill from 1990-1999. Certificate awarded to Mulvihill (National Science and Technology Journalism Awards 2002-3). 3 large photographs, 2 of which show the Scholars' Dinner in Trinity College, Dublin in 1979. One photograph is mounted with accompanying identification. Third photograph shows a gathering of past pupils for the same occasion in 1989. Mulvihill appears in both. 4 editions of the Irish Historic Towns Atlas series, as well as art materials and paintings made by Mulvihill during personal art classes.

A large file of material that reflects Mulvihill’s involvement in broadcasting. It deals with television and radio and how to best put across the importance of science and research in a contemporary and accessible manner. It includes: a Media Skills Manual that is highlighted and annotated by Mulvihill, the Itinerary and notes from the Science and the Media seminar that took place on 25 November 2002. Mulvihill was one of the key speakers.

Contents of a Writing and Communicating Workshop that took place in April 2007, advice for the scripting of weather broadcasts on RTE, the script for a weather broadcast on RTE Radio on 18 October 2009. As well as Writing for Radio guidelines that are heavily edited and annotated by Mulvihill.

Itinerary and notes from Media Skills, a short course for scientists that took place in DCU on 22 September 1994. Social Media Tips, Tools and Techniques, created by Mulvihill’s company, Ingenious Ireland, on 6 December 2014. An ideas notebook for interesting topics that could be shared or written about in various media, a module for the seminar Making News and Hitting the Headlines. This was written and presented by Mulvihill as part of her Science media consultancy business.

Several appearances by Mulvihill on different RTE programmes during the 1990s. Includes: several episodes of the Irish language programme, Cúrsaí. Mulvihill speaks about the challenges and rewards of learning the Irish language as an adult. She also speaks (through Irish) about the formation of WITS and the inclusion of women in science. A programme from 1993 entitled Know School Today focuses on the newly adopted Junior Certificate, and the opportunity to change the way science is taught in Irish schools. A programme entitled Undercover from 1998. Mulvihill is interviewed in the Natural History Museum about science and science heritage.

Contains the programme 12 to 1. Mulvihilll discusses women in business. The panel includes Anne Harper and Kathy Monks.