Cultural Talks Sponsored by
Chicago Sister Cities International, Galway Committee
Nov 2025
Tom Kenny, historian and owner of Kennys Bookshop in Galway, is exhibiting Old Galway: The Streets of Galway, a new collection of more than 40 enlarged photographs from the late 19th and 20th centuries.
The selected images—candid, unposed depictions of Galway City’s streets, markets, shops, workers, and everyday life—offer an intimate and unfiltered look at a city and its people. Featured locations include Eyre Square, the railway station, the old barracks, and various shopfronts. Notable moments captured include President John F. Kennedy’s visit in 1963 and the aftermath of Edward VII’s visit in 1903.
The photographs were sourced from Tom’s personal archive, institutional collections, and private contributions from Galwegians. As Tom notes, the images transcend nostalgia—they are vital records of Galway’s social fabric and everyday life, preserved for future generations.
Over the course of the weekend, Tom will also be giving short informal talks on the exhibit, sharing insights into the stories behind the photographs and the history they capture.
“The Repurposing of Older Buildings
into Cultural Centres:
Advantages and Challenges.”
This international panel brings together cultural leaders from Galway and Chicago to explore how older buildings—shops, train stations, warehouses, barracks—can be reimagined as vibrant cultural spaces.
The discussion will highlight how adaptive reuse strengthens community identity, stimulates economic development, and supports environmental sustainability by conserving materials and reducing waste. Panelists will share real-world examples and reflect on how historic character can be preserved while meeting modern needs.
In Galway, such projects have helped revitalize neighborhoods while honoring the city’s deep cultural and linguistic roots. Chicago’s urban fabric reflects similar challenges and opportunities, especially as legacy buildings face pressure from new development. The conversation will touch on preservation ethics, creative design solutions, community involvement, and the financial and logistical realities that make or break these efforts.
While success stories offer inspiration, the discussion won’t shy away from tensions—such as rising costs, displacement risks, and accessibility concerns. This session invites honest dialogue on how cities can preserve their past without limiting their future.
This year’s conversation gains further depth with a large visiting delegation from Galway, underscoring iBAM!’s role as a platform for meaningful cross-cultural exchange
