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The Museum of Orange Heritage at Schomberg House opened its doors to the public once again – with an exciting new CentenNIal exhibition the star attraction.
‘100 Years, 100 Images’ tells the story of Northern Ireland in pictures and stories, from its formation through to the present day, picking out the many notable achievements along the way.
Lord Mayor of Belfast Alderman Frank McCoubrey visited the museum on its reopening and was welcomed to the Cregagh Road facility by Grand Master Wor. Bro. Edward Stevenson and Deputy Grand Master Wor. Bro. Harold Henning.
The Lord Mayor was given a full tour of the new exhibition by Museum Curator Dr. Jonathan Mattison.
A special attraction on the day was the appearance of an iconic DeLorean car, which drew considerable attraction when parked in the grounds of Schomberg House.
The Grand Master formally launched the CentenNIal exhibition on Monday, 3rd of May, in a video shared across the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland’s social media platforms. And he is clear that the CentenNIal Year for Northern Ireland should be seen as one of ‘celebration and commemoration’.
He said: “We were delighted to welcome Lord Mayor of Belfast Alderman Frank McCoubrey to the Museum of Orange Heritage as the first official visitor to the new ‘100 Years, 100 Images’ exhibition.
“As we celebrate this important year for Northern Ireland, we do so with an exhibition that places people at its very core – and that of course includes the Orange Family.
“In the past 100 years, people from Northern Ireland have risen to the heights in many areas of life. Not just at local or national level, but on an international, global scale.
“With this exhibition we celebrate the pastors and practitioners, innovators and inventors, writers and poets, sports personalities and television legends.
“I trust as many of you as possible will come to see this excellent exhibition and perhaps learn a little bit more about this wonderful place we call home.”
Museum curator Dr. Jonathan Mattison said: “We are delighted to be in a position to receive visitors once again after a long closure due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“Our exhibition highlights the story of Northern Ireland, and the role of our people during the past 100 years.
“In the course of 100 images and 100 stories, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the highs and lows of our history, and learn how those from a British, Ulster-Scots, and Irish Identity, have shaped the nature and experience of our first century as a Country within the United Kingdom.”
He added: “We look forward to welcoming many visitors in the days, weeks and months ahead.”
The exhibition contains a wide range of artefacts that have played their part in shaping Northern Ireland’s story. From a motorcycle to medallions, Orange collarettes belonging to leaders of the country from Craig to Paisley, and much more – all of which contributes to a unique and informed exhibition.
A specially commissioned souvenir booklet has been produced to accompany the exhibition and will be available to visitors, while a range of CentenNIal merchandise will be on sale in the Museum shop.
The Museum of Orange Heritage will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm (last admission to museum galleries is 4pm). Admission is free.