The Ministerial Advisory Group Ulster Scots Academy (MAGUS) has marked a major landmark in Ireland’s history as it launches a Town Charters Exhibition at Belfast City Hall.
This year marks the 400th anniversary since King James 1st first granted the town charters around the Island.
A completed research project and exhibition, devised in partnership with the Ulster Historical Foundation and supported by the Ulster Scots Agency, was unveiled last night. It includes a dedicated map, brochure, a community outreach programme and a travelling exhibition.
This programme will provide an opportunity to delve into the informative and insightful world of Belfast's histories and the exhibition will tour around museums, libraries and small businesses in the North of Ireland over the next six months.
Speaking about the launch of the exhibition the Minister for Culture Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín said: 'I’m delighted to support this event to mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of many towns not just around Ulster but also the whole of Ireland. This project is a prime example of efforts being made to bring knowledge to the fore in our communities, from a purely historical point of view. The project partners are looking forward to bringing this exhibition to various towns around the Island and adding historical value to the communities that it reaches.
'Exhibitions like this play a crucial role in educating and informing young people in our communities and bringing us closer to a shared all inclusive future.'
There's more about MAGUS and the Town Charters Project/Travelling Exhibition on the Department of Arts, Culture & Leisure site.
First stop of the travelling exhibition is to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. It's arrival will be marked by a lecture on 31 October by Dr William Roulston, Director of Research for the Ulster Historical Foundation. See blogpost for booking details.