Derry Gaol museum gets grant museum

The grant was awarded to the Heritage Tower Association and will be used to support an innovative programme of outreach and educational activities to engage with and share the Heritage Tower Museum's collection with new and diverse audiences.

Located in the Fountain area, the Heritage Tower Museum is home to a unique collection of military memorabilia and artefacts from the First and Second World Wars.

The museum depicts the city's early military history through street murals, exhibits and displays, many of which contain items that have been donated by the local community. The general public have limited access to the 19th century former gaol which houses the collection so the HLF grant will be used to 'bring the artefacts to the audience' through a series of history workshops, opening up the museum and increasing access to and engagement with its collection.

The outreach programme will be delivered by the museum's existing committee members and volunteers from the local community who will be recruited to participate in the project. Over 50 workshops will be held throughout the two year project, involving up to 600 people with the military heritage of the city.

Funding for the project was awarded through the HLF 'Your Heritage' programme which provides grants of up to 50,000 for projects that enable people to learn about and become involved in their cultural, natural, built and industrial heritage. Commenting on the award, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this project to expand the activities of the Heritage Tower Museum. The museum is home to a unique collection of military artefacts and displays and this innovative programme of outreach and educational activities will enable the local and wider community to learn more about and engage with their heritage".

Curator and Chairperson of the committee, William Jackson said: "The committee are delighted at the award and would like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for their support. The grant will help promote the museum and will ensure it continues to be an important attraction and resource for the Fountain area."

If you would like to volunteer to become involved in the project, or to register your interest in participating in the workshops, please contact William Jackson at the Heritage Tower Museum on 07707 246979.

For further information about HLF and its funding programmes, please telephone 028 9031 0120 or log on to www.hlf.org.uk.