Gerry Adams criticises Boston College Project

Following the arrest of 77-year-old former IRA leader Ivor Bell in connection with the 1972 murder of Jean McConville, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has released a statement condemning the Boston College oral history project, on which  Bell’s charges are based. “It is clear that the so-called Boston Oral History project is an entirely bogus, shoddy and self-serving effort by those involved,” he said. For full story click here.

Boston College Case

This has been a major controversy affecting oral history.  Read the article and go to the link "Secrets of Belfast" to read the full story about this issue. Return to this article and watch a very interesting podcast where two eminent American oral historians discuss the issue. See here.

Full story Boston College tapes

Anthony McIntyre made one thing clear: The project had to remain absolutely secret. If Boston College wanted him to interview former members of the Irish Republican Army, he needed that guarantee. They would be talking about dangerous things—bombings, shootings, and murder.  It was June of 2000, just two years after a controversial peace accord ended three decades of conflict in Northern Ireland. Mr. McIntyre, an independent historian, was having dinner at Deanes Restaurant, in the center of this small, working-class city, with an Irish journalist and a librarian from Boston College.  For complete story, including interview excerpts, click here.

Boston College decision

Boston College has won a significant victory in its legal fight to keep sensitive oral-history records confidential. A federal appeals court ruled on Friday that the college must hand over only 11 out of 85 records subpoenaed by the U.S. government on behalf of British authorities.  For full story click here.