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Since opening, the Newry and Mourne Museum has produced numerous publications on various topics. These have included newspaper articles, catalogues and reports. Some of the most popular publications the Museum has written have been the booklets that accompany some of the temporary exhibitions. They offer valuable insights and fascinating detail about specific events, employment and of course the people associated with the district.
The Museum’s three main exhibitions interpret the history of the region from the prehistoric period up to the end of the 20th century but there is also a temporary exhibition programme that produces two new displays annually. These allow the Museum the opportunity to look in greater depth at various aspects of this region’s rich culture and history. Artefacts that are in storage are often exhibited, offering visitors something unique to see. The themes that have been examined include, local politics, sport, religion, drama, transport and art, demonstrating the rich diversity of the Museum’s collection
To supplement the exhibition, the Museum usually produces a publication that offers more information and provides greater insight into the subject matter that cannot be included in the main exhibition. The booklets allow the Museum to engage the local community, as many contributors are local historians or have firsthand experience with the topic. Some of the authors have written personal stories about members of their families and the contributions they made to the community.
For example, ex-local Councillors and Council employees wrote about their memories of working for local government for fifty years in the All Politics is Local publication. For the Caring for the Community exhibition, doctors, nurses, and orderlies recorded what life was like working in the different fields of health care, from general practice to training as nurse.
In The Performing Arts in Newry and Mourne booklet several key figures of local music, drama and arts wrote about the vibrancy of culture here. In their articles Charlie Smyth, Gerry McAnulty Mary Goss and Eileen Mooney give informative insights into the groups and personalities who have been instrumental in the growth and development of the performing arts in Newry and Mourne.
Some of the publications have included well known academics who have also contributed essays. In The Legacy: Newry 1920 - 1930, scholars such as the late Dr Éamon Phoenix and Professor Brian Walker wrote about different aspects of the War of Independence and partition and how it affected this region.
Some of the articles were written based on the oral histories of people whose expertise in certain jobs were closely associated with the area. To accompany the recent exhibition Slices of History - Memories of McCann's Bakery a booklet of edited transcriptions was published. These conversations were recorded by Museum staff during reminiscence evenings with the former employees of McCann’s Bakery, including the manager, office workers, mechanics, and of course, bakers and breadmen. The booklet focused on their memories of what life was like in the bakery.
The publications are designed to complement our temporary exhibitions, but they also bring to life the stories of the people, community, and events that have shaped this historic region. Due to their popularity, physical copies are limited. However, you can download many of our publications on our website or contact the Museum for a full list of available PDFs.
Newry and Mourne Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 am – 4.30 pm. They currently offer free tours on Wednesdays at 2.00 pm. These must be booked in advance by calling 0330 137 4422 or email museums@nmandd.org for further information.
Visit their website at www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
