Irish history in focus this month

The exhibition was curated by Council’s Museum’s volunteers and trainees Rachel Crawford, Sarah Cupples, Joanne Deering and Nic Wright. It reveals Coleraine’s fascinating history through objects, artworks and photographs.

The exhibition displays artefacts uncovered at Mountsandel, the first known settlement of man in Ireland, and 17th century objects discovered by archaeologists in Coleraine.

The town was the first to be planted of the County Londonderry plantation and the 17th century artefacts help reveal its importance.

The exhibition also has items from major collections on display including the Hezlet, Hugh Thomson, Sam Henry and Coleraine Battery Collections.

The mayor of Coleraine, councillor George Duddy said, “The volunteers and trainees have been working extremely hard to pull all this material together and the exhibition is a culmination of the work they have been doing with the Museum.

“I encourage everyone to come along to the Town Hall and explore this fantastic exhibition.”

Sarah Carson, Collections Access Officer said: “Nearly every section in the exhibition has a fun interactive element including a mini dig, make your own Bronze Age hut, story cube game, colouring in Hugh Thomson artworks, a musical challenge and more.

“As well as this, there will be a Hugh Thomson craft day on Saturday 30th August in Coleraine Town Hall. The exhibition and event are all free of charge.

“Our dedicated volunteers and trainees have been a fantastic support for the Museum over the past year.

“ Not only have they been working on documentation projects and this exhibition but they have been assisting with school workshops and events.

“Through the work they have completed with the Museum they have gained skills and developed their knowledge and practical experience. I encourage everyone to come along to Coleraine Town Hall and see the fantastic result of their hard work.”

The ‘Exploring Irish History Starts Here’ exhibition is open in Coleraine Town Hall from last Tuesday to Thursday September 11.