Lecture: Behind the Doors of the Folk Park

An insightful lecture which peeks through the doors of the Ulster American Folk Park to provide an in-depth glimpse into the work that goes on behind the scenes to bring the fascinating stories, objects and houses to life will take place this Friday and Saturday.

The event is part of a special programme of museum of activities, titled ‘Museums Now’, that will take place in Tyrone, and indeed across the North and South of Ireland, to encourage visitors back into museums.

The initiative is being brought to the public by the NI Museums Council and the Irish Museums Association, which jointly represent more than 150 museums and collection-based organisations across the island of Ireland.

It is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media’s Cooperation with NI Funding Scheme.

Having been closed to visitors for months, many of Northern Ireland’s museums have once again opened their doors to the public, and are offering a range of exciting and safe experiences from free entry to special free-flow tours exploring ‘hidden histories’.

BRINGING THE FOLK PARK TO LIFE

Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh is participating in the Museums Now initiative, and will offer visitors a chance to attend a free special lecture by its onsite curator, Liam Corry.

Liam will be providing an insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes at the Folk Park, which includes delving into how the many objects that decorate the houses on the replica cobbled streets came to be obtained by the museum, and stories of the beautiful buildings themselves.

Tyrone folk are also being invited to check out free access and special events for more than 250 sites and properties for Northern Ireland’s celebration of ‘European Heritage Open Days 2021’, the last two days of which coincide with the Museums Now weekend.

Siobhan Stevenson, director of the Northern Ireland Museums Council, described the initiative as a chance for ‘interaction and connection’.

“I’m delighted to be inviting the public back into museums across the island of Ireland on September 11 and 12 to celebrate the reopening of these special spaces,” she said.

“With their unique collections and engaging events, museums can provide inspiration, hope and entertainment, as well as opportunities for interaction and connection, which should be welcome relief for everyone in the aftermath of the challenging 18 months that have gone by.

“The Museums Now weekend will coincide with the ‘European Heritage Open Days 2021’ – Northern Ireland’s celebration of local history, culture and architecture, making it an extra special time to revisit your local museum.”

Also commenting, chairperson of the Irish Museums Association and head of collections and learning at the National Museum of Ireland, Dr Audrey Whitty said that the museums are ‘important community spaces, where people of all generations and interests can come together in person to reflect, learn and have fun’.

“We are excited to be welcoming people back through our doors, to rediscover the collections and see first-hand the work our museums have been carrying out during closure to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit,” she said. “From new temporary exhibitions and offerings, to putting in place measures to protect our visitors.

“With almost 250 museums across the island, specialising in everything from art to zoology, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and we’d encourage you to make it a ‘Museums Now’ weekend.” For updates to the programme of events and to find out what museums in the Tyrone area are open over the ‘Museums Now’ weekend, please visit the online interactive map.

ABOUT NI MUSEUMS COUNCIL

The Northern Ireland Museums Council (NIMC) was established in 1993 to support the local museums of Northern Ireland in maintaining and improving their standards of collections care and public service. A Non-Departmental Public Body, NIMC is primarily funded by the Department for Communities.

The Irish Museums Association is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the interests of museums and the Irish museums community.

Primarily funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media and The Heritage Council, it provides support and advocates for a membership that includes representatives from over 150 museums and collection-based organisations across the island of Ireland.

Further information on the NI Museums Council, Irish Museums Association and their Museums Now initiative can be found on: Facebook: ‘@irishmuseumsassociation’ or ‘@NIMuseums’; Twitter: ‘@irishmuseums’ or ‘@NIMuseums’; Instagram: ‘@irishmuseums’ or ‘@NIMuseums’; and by following the hashtag ‘#MuseumsNow’