Dubliners share memories, reflections, and family histories in a new heritage storytelling project
Time Capsule Sessions, launched by photographer Peter Varga of Humans of Dublin, creates a guided, intimate space for people to share their memories, experiences and wisdom in a format that can be cherished by families for years to come.
The project recently completed a pilot in partnership with North Clondalkin Libraries, funded through South Dublin County Council Heritage Funding- in association with heritage officer Rosaleen Dwyer.
Seven deeply personal stories were captured for the first series, which will launch next week on Humans of Dublin.
For Mr Varga, the project is rooted in his own experiences having ever got the chance to meet his own grandparents.
Kay O’Keeffe, interviewed for Time Capsule Sessions. Pic: Peter Varga
The Dublin photographer is the man behind Humans of Dublin, which is a photography project documenting the lives stories and experiences of people living in Dublin.
Originally from Hungary, he moved to Dublin 16 years ago at the age of 19.
“Over the last decade, while interviewing more than 2,500 people for Humans of Dublin, I found myself consistently drawn to older people,” he said.
“Some of the most powerful and best performing stories on the page have come from those conversations.
“Whenever I had the chance to speak with someone elderly, I would ask the questions I wish I could have asked my own grandparents.
“Many of those chats lasted an hour or more on a pier, in a coffee shop, or on a park bench.
“They were always deeper and richer than what I could fit into a 400 word Humans of Dublin post and what became clear is that so many people have a real need to share their wisdom and life stories, but they are rarely given the time or space to do so,” he added.
This is what inspired Time Capsule Sessions, which he is promoting as a “legacy storytelling service” that creates a warm, guided space for someone to reflect on their life.
Norman Lowe emigrated to Canada at 19 and returned to Ireland after many years. Pic: Peter Varga
He is offering paid ‘Time Capsule Sessions,’ including guided interviews, professional portraits and audio recordings, with optional add-ons such as framed prints or additional family interviews.
One story featured in the series is that of Kay O’Keeffe. Born in Holles Street Hospital in 1944, she was fostered just days later by a woman she called “Mommy Divine.”
Ms O’Keeffe spent years searching for her birth mother, discovering Ellen Scully in County Cork, whose existence had been kept a secret.
Their eventual meetings were cautious and distant, yet Kay found her own confidence and joy in performing and connecting with others.
Another story comes from Norman Lowe, who emigrated to Canada at 19 and built a successful career running duty-free shops at multiple airports.
Risk-taking and ambition brought him great highs, but also a dramatic financial and personal fall.
Returning to Ireland, he battled addiction and depression before finding peace in quieter moments and reflecting on the lessons of a life lived fully.
“Each session combines a recorded interview, portraits, and keepsakes,” Mr Varga said.
“It’s more than just documentation, it’s about preserving memory, presence, and connection,” he added.
The series will also be an exhibition at North Clondalkin Libraries in a few weeks.
For more information visit http://timecapsulesessions.ie/