Irish Travellers

Visitors to Ireland are often curious about the bands of nomadic families they see living in clusters around the country. They are known as the Travellers, and their history and origins are as unclear as their proper place in Irish society. The Travellers, are often referred to a "Tinkers", and with their own language, lore and customs, they're cut-off from mainstream culture. In the 1960s, photographer Alen MacWeeney spent five years documenting their work, their struggles, and their vanishing way of life. We'll talk with Alen about his experience.

Alen MacWeeney's new book of photographs is called Irish Travellers: Tinkers No More, and it's the first publication by New England College Press.

New England College's Preston Gallery is holding an exhibition of Alen MacWeeney's Traveller photos through September 28. He will be at a reception at the Preston Gallery on September 13 between 4:00 and 6:00pm.

He'll also speak about his work later that night at Gibson's Bookstore in Concord at 7:00.