Landmark RTÉ documentary on first-ever census announced by The National Archives

The National Archives has announced The Centenarian Ambassadors Programme to celebrate the public release of the Ireland's first ever census.

The programme will accompany the Census 1926 Digitisation Project, which will make the 1926 census available online to the public for the first time on April 18, 2026.

The Centenarian Ambassadors Programme was brought forth to celebrate those born before April 18, 1926 who are still alive. It was unveiled by Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan and National Archives Director Orlaith McBride today.

It will include exhibitions at Dublin Castle in Dublin, the British Academy in London and at Boston College in Boston, as well as a theatrical production from ANU productions and a documentary from RTÉ.

“The census isn’t about lists and numbers; it’s about the people living in Ireland in 1926 and all of their descendants today," said McBride. "It’s the story of us, and we want to hear from as many people as possible who are in the unique position of having been recorded in this historic document."

The National Archives are calling on people born before April 18, 1926 to come forward and offer their testimonies.

A series of open talks, workshops and presentations will also be presented, as well as the publication of The Story of Us, Independent Ireland and the 1926 Census. The book will feature 18 essays from specialised historians.

"It’s particularly moving that we can honour the individuals who were recorded in the census, and who are still with us today, through our Centenarian Ambassadors programme," said O'Donovan . "This extensive public programme will ensure the stories, the information, and human connections revealed by the census reach every community in Ireland and our diaspora worldwide.”

The programme will be open to the public, with full details including dates to come in the next few months.