Project ID: 310
| Description | Vere Foster - Philanthropist, Education in Ireland |
| Topics | History |
| Type | U3A-led research (SLP) |
| U3A | North Down & Ards U3A Downe U3A East Antrim U3A |
| Organization/partner | Public Records Office NI |
| Year started | 2014 |
| Source of reference | Sources 52, 2014 |
| Output | Website www.verefoster.info and Course (see documents) |
| Documents | Vere Foster course Sources 52 |
| Notes | Vere Foster was a man of many parts, a philanthropist who personally funded an estimated 25,000 Irish girls to emigrate to USA during the famine era. He was a driving force for the improvement of schools in Ireland but was unsuccessful in separating education from the religious divide. He produced the best selling "Penny Guide to Emigrants" and the series of Vere Foster writing, drawing and painting books which some U3A members may recall using. |