The National Library of Ireland (NLI) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the archive of A Little Lifetime Foundation, an organisation that has played a vital role in supporting bereaved families in Ireland since its founding in 1983.

Originally established as the Irish Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (ISANDS), A Little Lifetime supports families who have experienced the loss of a baby through stillbirth or neonatal death.

The archive, now part of the National Library’s permanent collection, preserves a wide selection of materials, including personal letters, meeting records, photographs and newsletters, which provide insight into the foundation’s tireless work over four decades. The organisation’s advocacy efforts were instrumental in the establishment of the Stillbirth Register in 1995, which provided formal recognition to bereaved families and allowed them to register their child’s birth in Ireland.

This collection represents an important chapter in Irish social history. It offers valuable insight into the evolving landscape of bereavement care, public health policy and community support.

At an event in the NLI in October to mark the acquisition, Ciara Kerrigan, Assistant Keeper of Special Collections, said, “One of the core missions of the National Library is to collect and preserve the stories of those whose voices are often left out of the historical record. This includes the voices of bereaved parents and families who have fought for recognition, dignity and care. This acquisition ensures that their experiences will not be forgotten​. Your stories of loss, resilience and solidarity are now – and will always be, for generations to come – part of the permanent record of Irish life and history.”

Learn more: https://www.nli.ie/news-stories/news/national-library-acquires-little-lifetime-archive