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Celebrating Thirty Years of Newry and Mourne Museum
Celebrating Thirty Years of Newry and Mourne Museum
Newry and Mourne Museum is delighted to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary this year. Originally housed in the then Newry Arts Centre, it was officially launched by the Chairman of Council, Councillor Pat Toner, and opened its doors to the public on 31 May 1986.
The Museum collects artefacts connected with the local area and in the early days, this meant encouraging members of the public and local historians to donate valuable and sometimes personal items, which would tell the rich history of the Newry and Mourne area. Some of these original donations, including 18th century maps, Council seals, posters and evidence of Newry’s development as a 19th century town can still be seen on display in the new Museum, at Bagenal’s Castle.
The original Museum was located in a small area of the arts centre and with only one staff member, grew and developed over the years. In 2007 it had outgrown its home and moved to Bagenal’s Castle, the remains of which were rediscovered after it was sold in 1996 by McCann’s Bakery.
The castle and the adjoining warehouse were sympathetically restored and many original features were uncovered. Since its re-opening, the Museum has welcomed visitors from all over the world to enjoy its three permanent exhibitions displaying the Castle’s pre-historic artefacts, remains from the Cistercian Abbey, 18th, 19th and 20th century objects, as well as artefacts relating to the history of McCann’s Bakery. There are also two galleries housing temporary exhibitions that further highlight the rich heritage and culture of the region.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane stated, “The Museum is to be congratulated for tirelessly carrying out its mission statement and has been very successful in acting as the area’s collective memory bank, cultivating and promoting pride, understanding and enjoyment of local cultures and traditions to the present day”.
Councillor Ruane added, “The Museum has received tremendous support from members of the public since its opening. Their generosity and donations over the last thirty years have been invaluable in ensuring the Museum’s success.”
For more information about Newry and Mourne Museum please telephone 028 3031 3178 or email declan.carroll@newryandmourne.gov.uk