Plantation to Partition - the 400-year legacy

Examining the historical events which have shaped our cultural identities and shared heritage is the theme of ‘Plantation to Partition’, a new cross community and cross border heritage venture which aims to explore the landscape, events and legacy of Ulster in the last 400 year period.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Apr 2012, 10:45 BST

The Alley Theatre in Strabane last week was the location for the opening of the project, which sees a collaborative partnership between the district Councils of Derry City, Strabane, Omagh and Donegal County Council. The project funded by PEACE III, delves into key historical events including Plantation, Emigration, Partition, Battle of the Somme and the Irish Cultural Revival, in order to establish how this has shaped our Ulster of today.

Margaret Edwards, Education Officer with the Heritage and Museum Services at Derry City Council said: “The aim of the project is to promote the shared use of spaces and resources as a means of developing an understanding of our shared heritage and promote dialogue on our cultural uniqueness which inevitably leads to a deeper understanding and awareness of our cultural identity. This is to ensure a lasting legacy beyond 2013 in which we will mark 400 years since plantation in the North West.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Curator of Heritage and Museum Services at Derry City Council, Craig McGuicken said: “This project is extremely interesting from a legacy aspect and as the jewel in the crown of the Ulster plantation, the city of Derry-Londonderry is delighted to participate to increase awareness for the anniversary of this historical event in 2013. I offer my full support in working with all the Councils involved in this cross border, community heritage initiative and I would like to express my special thanks and acknowledgement of PEACE III funding which has enabled this project to take place.”

The programme will deliver a series of facilitated workshops throughout the four council areas, will be complimented by an interactive and innovative archaeological dig in which the public are invited to get involved. A commemorative event to mark the Ulster Covenant centenary will take place in September, which will captivate the interest of local secondary school pupils who have this included as part of their curriculum.

Catherine Cooke, Chairwoman of the PEACE III North West Cluster, said: “We are delighted to be in a position to offer this funding for such a worthwhile programme and are particularly excited about the interactive archaeological dig which offers the opportunity to bring people together to engage with local heritage”.

To register your interest in any of the activities or workshops of the Plantation to Partition programme you can contact Derry City Council, Heritage & Museum Service at 028 7136 5151.

Related topics:UlsterDerry City