Plans to reconstruct historic US house at Omagh folk park

THE Ulster American Folk Park outside Omagh is planning to bring an historic house out of storage to form the centrepiece of a major new exhibition with funding from a multi-million pound Growth Deal pot.

McGavock House was moved to the popular tourist amenity four decades ago, but has been preserved behind closed doors ever since.

But now, it could could soon be erected there under plans for an ambitious new development.

Last month, the Folk Park, which will celebrate 50 years in existence in 2026, was announced as being one of the recipients of part of the Mid South West (MSW) Growth Deal from the British Government.

It has since emerged that the restoration and display of McGavock House could be part of the revamp being earmarked for the Folk Park.

Built in the 1780s by Co Antrim native, James McGavock, the house was dismantled, photographed and each part numbered before being moved to Omagh.

However, it has been in storage ever since, amidst concerns about the potential impact of the climate here on the timber building.

But following a request from the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, in relation to the house, the Chief Executive of National Museums NI, Kathryn Thomson, has said that its display is currently up for discussion as part of the new funding package.

“The McGavock house was dismantled and relocated from Virginia to the Ulster American Folk Park in the 1980s. It has been stored there ever since and, as a national museum, we remain committed to its care and preservation,” she said.

“Unfortunately, it has never been displayed due to the amount of conservation and restoration work required to reconstruct it.

“We have also been concerned about how the house would fare in our damp climate. However, we are now planning a redevelopment of the visitor centre and galleries as part of the Mid South West Regional Growth Deal and the McGavock House has been an integral part of our discussions.

“It is one of the oldest houses in our collection and we fully appreciate the importance of the emigrant story of the McGavocks and their role in the story of American independence.”

James McGavock was one of 13 elected representatives to sign the Fincastle Resolutions on January 20, 1775, which promised resistance to the British Crown to preserve political liberties.

The Chief Executive added that they are looking at ways to incorporate it into a new development, potentially as a centrepiece in an indoor setting with the necessary environmental control.

The issue of the house was first raised by Assembly member, Michelle McIlveen. She said that the property holds significant historical value as the venue for the signing of the Fincastle Resolutions.