Roisin Doherty, curator, Museum Services, DCSDC, handing over a number of items from the 17th century which will go on display at the Siege Museum. Included are Billy Moore, Siege Museum, Norman Rosborough, Donna Best and Valerie Moore (all in period costume). (Photo – Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)
The copy of the 1688-1704 Common Council Minutes was unearthed by Billy Moore, Chairman of the Siege Museum Management Committee, on a recent visit to the museum collections store of Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Curator with Council’s Museum and Visitor Services, Roisin Doherty, says that Council have been very keen to make their extensive archives more accessible to the public.
“The 1688-1704 Common Council Minutes which are being loaned to the Siege Museum was chosen by Billy after he contacted Museum Services and visited our collections store,” she said.
“Council’s Museum Service advises the Siege Museum on curatorial and interpretation. It is therefore great that these important Council Minutes from 1688-1704 will help support the story of the Apprentice Boys.
“I am also delighted that as a result of Billy’s visit that we have been able to develop the relationship Council has in supporting the Siege Museum in promoting the story of the city.”
Billy Moore says that the Common Council Minutes are an excellent addition in terms of showcasing the history of the Siege and the culture and traditions of the Apprentice Boys.
“I was delighted to be offered the opportunity by Roisin to visit the Council’s museum collections store recently and to see if there were any artefacts relating to the Siege” he said.
“Importantly, the Common Council Minutes will significantly enhance the quality of our displays.
“Indeed, I’ve been really eager to read through the copy of the minutes – which are especially interesting in terms of gaining a greater understanding of the reality of life within the city during the time of the Siege.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome individuals and groups from all communities to the Siege Museum, where they can view and better understand our rich and varied past.”
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