Overview

Join the Yass Valley History Centre for a fascinating double feature!

First up, guest speaker William Delaney, a mining engineer from WA, shares how a simple DNA test sparked an incredible journey to piece together his family's past. Drawing on their own archives, his research has traced the lives of early Irish settlers buried in the old Yass Catholic Cemetery — and reveals the challenges and triumphs of Irish immigrants in colonial Australia, and how they shaped the Yass community. His work has also contributed to an international academic study.

Then, meet Catherine Ward from Sacred Stone Headstone, Grave Cleaning & Re-Lettering. A lifelong history buff, artist, writer and skilled restorer servicing the local area, Catherine will share how she carefully brings old inscriptions back to life, ensuring the names and stories of those buried beneath them aren't lost. Her beautiful restorations can be seen in cemeteries across Yass, Binalong, Crookwell and beyond.

Nibbles and refreshments provided!