Regional Adviser Northern Ireland

Michael Burns

I’m an oral historian based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with a background in public history. I studied History (BA) and Public History (MA) at Queen’s University Belfast. Since then, I’ve worked in the heritage sector with a real focus on collecting and sharing people’s stories. For the past eight years, I’ve been with the Northern Ireland War Memorial, where I’m now the Research Officer. My work has focused on managing and expanding their Second World War Oral History Collection, a role I have grown into through various positions, including volunteer, paid transcriber, project coordinator, and researcher. This experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of oral history, including interviewing, transcription, cataloguing and collection management. I’ve also explored ways to make these stories accessible to the public, particularly through digital platforms and social media. Additionally, I have advised a number of individuals and community organisations on how to approach developing their own oral history project from design to recording interviews. Ensuring that ethical best practices are balanced with real-world constraints, such as funding limitations and capacity.

I’m also the Vice-Chair of the Federation for Ulster Local Studies, which supports over 70 local history and community groups across Ulster in producing and sharing local research. I’m especially interested in oral histories in post-conflict societies, and in exploring both civilian and military experiences of war, whether at home or abroad. I’m always keen to support new oral history work across Northern Ireland and help others bring important stories to light.