Local people invited to tell their stories at the Tower Museum

ANYONE with an interest in local history will have the opportunity this week to get a closer look at some of the artefacts on display as part of the Speeches Strikes and Struggles collection at the Tower Museum.

The collection is made up of artefacts relating to the Civil Rights movement and that significant era of local history, and the museum is encouraging anyone with memories or stories from the time to come along to a special Open Evening on Wednesday May 2^nd.

2018 marks the 50^th anniversary of the Duke Street march of 5^th October 1968, which is now heralded by many as the start of the Troubles.

Members of the public are invited to come along and also share their personal stories about the events of that day.

During the evening unique artefacts and original documents will be on display from the Bridget Bond, Gerry Lynch and Peter Moloney collections for the public to access, view and examine.

An introductory talk will encourage visitors to delve into some of the meanings behind the objects.

Speaking ahead of the event, Emma McGarrity, Learning and Engagement Officer for the Speeches, Strikes and Struggles project, said she hoped to hear more first-hand accounts of the dramatic events of the time.

“This year marks the 50^th anniversary of what is undoubtedly an important and catalytic period in local history.

“Lots of people still have strong memories and emotions about October 5^th 1968 and that era, and through the project we hope to capture as many accounts as we can to document it for future generations.

“We recently held a schools’ event in the Guildhall where we heard from some of the main protagonists in the Civil Rights movement.

“It would be great to hear from more local people about their memories of the day, and perhaps find some additional artefacts from the time which would help in the retelling of those events.”

As well as their stories the public are welcome to bring along any artefacts that they have relating to that time period.

This Collections in Focus event will take place at the Tower Museum on Wednesday the 2^nd of May at 7pm and admission is free.

To reserve a place please email [email protected] or call 02871372411.

Further information on the Speeches, Strikes and Struggles programme is available in the Tower Museum Spring/Summer programme, with a series of talks and Collections in Focus days being hosted in the coming months.

gUILDContact [email protected] for further details.