The innovative A History of Derry in 100 Objects project featuring a selection of the most significant 100 objects submitted by members of the public which explore the heritage of the city was launched today by Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly.
Emma Wilson takes a closer look at model of a riot damaged RUC Tangi Landrover . Photo: Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com.
Mayor Reilly was joined by Lesser Spotted Ulster presenter Joe Mahon at a ceremony held in the newly restored Guildhall.
The Derry City Council’s Heritage and Museum Service project has been inspired by the British Museum and National Museums of Ireland project of a similar name.
The 100 Objects trail is housed in 11 separate venues across the city and includes items such as a Dominican chalice, which is one of the oldest objects recorded, a pair of roller-skates and a replica of the International Clipper yacht, a representation of the successful maritime festival in the city in 2012.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor Reilly said it was fitting the event was held here in the refurbished Guildhall building, which itself has been selected as one of the 100 objects due to its significance to city life and the immense history of the building.
He added: “The Guildhall hosts a number of objects as part of the exhibition and the trail which leads you the other venues including the Tower Museum, St Augustine’s Church, Derry Visitors Convention Bureau and even Austin’s Department store is well worth a visit to discover range of objects and their significance that have been selected.”
Mayor Reilly revealed details of a competition for members of the public to win their piece of history.
He explained: “The Museum and Heritage Service would like to offer the first five people who are photographed with all of the objects of the exhibition the chance to own their very own Thornhill bead.
“The beads were discovered with a number of additional artifacts during an excavation before the building of the new Thornhill school and are believed to be the earliest record of ornamental adornment in the city. The first five lucky winners will have the chance to own their own piece of treasure from Noelithic times.”
For more information please contact the Bernadette Walsh at the Foyle Valley Railway Museum on 028 71 028 7136 5151, extension 8251 or email: [email protected]
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