The third plaque in the five year Ulster History Circle partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council, was unveiled on 21st May 2018 by Mayor, Councillor Maoliosa McHugh. This long forgotten lady of Science, Annie Russell Maunder was born in the Presbyterian Manse off the Derry Road. The building no longer exists and so it was on Oysters Restaurant adjacent to the old 2nd Presbyterian Church, that the plaque was erected. Annie’s father, the Rev. Andrew Russell was the minister for 36 years of this now derelict Church where Annie had been baptised .
Dr. Myrtle Hill, Vice Chair of the UHC introduced guest speakers including Dorrie Giles, nee Maunder who had arrived from England especially for the unveiling. The step-great granddaughter of Walter Maunder and Annie, told of how this brilliant lady had until recently been forgotten by Science. Professor Michael Burton from the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium and Michael
Harron who nominated and researched Annie Maunder, told of her great scientific achievements, and a special message from the Royal Astronomical Society was read by Roisin Doherty, the curator of the Tower Museum in Derry-Londonderry. Local historian John Dooher spoke of the importance of honouring this Strabane lady, and a special welcome was extended to guest Dr. Sinead
Farrell, a Climate Scientist working with NASA
Dorrie Giles with Mayor Maoliosa McHugh as he unveils the plaque.
L.R. John Dooher, Roisin Doherty, Dorrie Giles, Myrtle Hill, Mayor Maoliosa McHugh,Professor Michael Burton and Michael Harron
L.R. – Roisin Doherty, Paddy Doherty (no relation), Mayor McHugh and Caroline Clarke, proprietor of Oysters Restaurant. Adjacent to Oysters, part of the old Church can be seen.
Dorrie Giles, step great-granddaughter of Annie Maunder with Dr. SineadFarrell, Climate Scientist from NASA.