Irish Republican History Museum facts for kids
The Eileen Hickey Irish Republican History Museum (Irish: Iarsmalann na Staire Poblachtach Éireannach) is a special place in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is a museum that tells stories about Irish history. The museum first opened its doors in 2007. It was created because of the hard work of Eileen Hickey, who spent many years collecting historical items.
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About the Museum's Home
The museum is located inside Conway Mill in the Falls Road area of West Belfast. This building used to be a linen mill, built a long time ago in 1842. For the past thirty years, the mill has been used by the local community. The museum officially opened in February 2007. This date was chosen to honor Eileen Hickey, as it was one year after she passed away. Many volunteers help run the museum today.
Who Was Eileen Hickey?
Eileen Hickey was a very dedicated person who loved Irish history. She spent her life gathering and protecting old items and memories. These items help people learn about a period in Irish history called The Troubles. This was a difficult time, and Eileen wanted to make sure its history was remembered. The museum was officially opened by Fr. Des Wilson and Noelle Ryan.
What Can You See at the Museum?
Many people and families have given items to the museum. These exhibits help tell the story of Irish history. You can see handicrafts made by people who were held in prisons around the world. There are also pictures and artwork that show what life was like during the conflict. Some of the oldest items in the museum date back to the Irish Rebellion of 1798. This was a big event involving the Society of United Irishmen.
Special Items on Display
The museum has many interesting things to explore. Here are some of the key exhibits:
- A jacket that belonged to Mairéad Farrell. She wore it while she was in prison.
- A real cell door and a bed from the Armagh women's prison.
- A large collection of posters and paintings about the historical conflict.
- Items related to members of the National Graves Association, Belfast and other important figures.
- A library and a special learning center. These areas help students with school projects and people doing history research.
External Links
- Official site: http://www.eileenhickeymuseum.com
