Souvenirs provide a visual key to the remembrance of many historical events, including the Easter Rising of 1916. There is often an unclear division of what constitutes as a “cheesy” or “kitschy” souvenir and serious souvenirs. Additionally, souvenirs hold different significance and share different perspectives depending on where and how they are sold. For example, souvenirs sold in the National Museum of Ireland in Ireland do not necessarily carry the same meaning as commemorative pieces sold online on a Cafe Press Easter Rising souvenirs website. The concept of authenticity often determines the significance of an object or souvenir, which ultimately derives from where it was made and how it was made. The souvenirs directly from Ireland are more likely to illustrate the traditional, “authentic” models, books, items focused on influential leaders from various areas, and focus on special remembrance of the people who fought and were affected by this crucial period of time leading to Irish independence. Click below to learn more about each topic.
Website of the Irish Studies Group at SUNY Geneseo