Dividing Ireland - New exhibition in Derry looks at Partition a century on

Mayor Brian Tierney at the launch of Dividing Ireland Exhibition in the Tower Museum. From left, are Bernadette Walsh, archivist, Roisin Doherty, Museum Services, David Lewis, Nerve Centre, Sue Divin, Peace IV, and Fiona Lafferty, Peace IV. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

‘Dividing Ireland – The origins, impact and legacy of partition’ was launched at the Tower Museum in the city centre this week by Mayor Brian Tierney.

Events at home and around Europe from 1912 to 1922 oversaw monumental changes to the political and social structures of the island of Ireland. This temporary exhibition explores some of those events through objects and documents in the Museum’s collection.

Mayor Tierney said: “I’m sure it will be of great interest to many people who want to learn more about a significant period in our history.”

Council Archivist Bernadette Walsh said the exhibition will form part of a wider programme, and is accompanied by a series of engagement events, including a History Ireland Hedge School podcast on the website, with an online conference planned for the Autumn.

David Lewis, Director of Communications and Digital Content at the Nerve Centre, said: “The Nerve Centre have been working closely with the Tower Museum to deliver the Understanding the Decade of Commemorations project.

“To date, the project has empowered over 100 people to explore our past together and create responses using filmmaking, digital fabrication and art, as well as events and an exhibition. We are looking forward to continuing this work.”

Dividing Ireland is part of the Understanding the Decade of Commemorations project, supported by the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), with funding from The Executive Office and the Department of Rural and Community Development. Sue Divin, Council’s PEACE IV Programme Manager, added: “One hundred years ago the border was a contentious issue. In today’s context it still remains a topic which evokes significant emotions, memories and debate, and it’s hoped that the exhibition will help local communities reflect constructively on facts and perspectives.”

Historical researcher Dr Adrian Grant said the displays cover the roots of the idea of partition in the late 19th century to the impact and legacy of the border in the 20th century. “It includes archive photographs and footage from the period, as well as oral history interviews with people who participated in the events of the time,” he said.

Check out the Tower Museum’s new website for details and to see some of the objects on display at www.towermuseumcollections.com/dividing-ireland/If you have any artefacts, archive material, photographs or stories connected to the Decade of Centenaries you can contact the Tower Museum on [email protected]