National Science Museum at Maynooth facts for kids
Plaque at entrance
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| Former name | Museum of Ecclesiology |
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| Established | 1934 |
| Location | Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland |
| Type | Science museum Ecclesiology museum |
| Public transit access | Maynooth  Dublin Bus routes: 66, 67 |
The National Science and Ecclesiology Museum at Maynooth is a really cool place to visit! It's a museum that shows off amazing things from the world of science and also items related to the history of the church (that's what "ecclesiology" means). You can find it on the campus of St Patrick's College, Maynooth and Maynooth University in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland.
This museum is part of the college. It started out mostly focused on church history. But over time, it has become more famous for its science exhibits. It has the biggest collection of historical science items open to the public in Ireland! You'll also find a huge collection of scientific tools used by a famous Irish scientist named Nicholas Callan. The museum even has one of two special "death masks" of the important Irish political leader, Daniel O'Connell.
Museum History
How the Museum Started
The museum first opened its doors in 1934. Back then, it was called the Museum of Ecclesiology. It was located at what was then known as St. Patrick's College. The very first person in charge of the museum was Dr. William Moran. He was a professor of theology.
Changes Over Time
Dr. Moran left his role in 1942. After him, Dr. Patrick J McLaughlin took over as curator. He was a professor of physics. Dr. McLaughlin helped move many of Nicholas Callan's amazing science tools into the museum. This process was finished by his successor, Rev. Dr. Michael Casey. Thanks to these efforts, the museum now has a strong focus on science.
What You Can See: The Collections
The museum has two main types of collections. One is all about science, especially the work of Nicholas Callan. The other collection features items related to church history.
The Nicholas Callan Science Collection
This part of the museum is very important for science fans. It includes the very first induction coil ever invented! Nicholas Callan created this amazing device in 1836.
Callan's Giant Induction Coil
You can see several of Callan's induction coils here. One of the most impressive is his giant induction coil from 1845. This huge machine could produce an incredible 600,000 volts of electricity! It had two parts: a primary coil and a secondary coil. Callan used over twenty miles of wire in this coil. Each wire was carefully insulated by hand with beeswax.
How Callan Tested His Inventions
To test how strong his electric currents were, Callan did something very unusual. He had students (called seminarians) hold hands and touch the coil. He would then judge the strength of the current by how high the students jumped! Callan also worked with a local blacksmith. Together, they created a large electromagnet in 1836.
Other Science Items
The museum also has many old documents and books. These include a special royal patent for something called galvanization. You can also see a large collection of batteries from the 1800s. Other cool science items include a Norremberg polariscope. This is a special microscope from the 1800s that uses light in a unique way. And don't miss the first portable GPS device!
The Church History Collection
This collection shows off many interesting items from the history of the church.
Priestly Robes and Art
You can see a set of priestly vestments. These are special robes worn by priests. One set was even ordered by the famous Queen Marie Antoinette! The collection also has a very old piece of art called an Ecce Homo from the 12th century. There's also a leaf from an ivory diptych (a two-paneled artwork) from the 14th century. You'll also find several altar stones.
A Defaced Statue
Another interesting historical item is a statue of Jesus. This statue was damaged by soldiers during the Siege of Drogheda in 1649.
The museum also displays old navigation tools. These include several octants and sextants. These instruments were super important for sailors. They helped them figure out where their ship was on the vast ocean.
How Octants and Sextants Work
An octant was a handheld tool with mirrors. Sailors used it to look at the horizon line. They would take measurements from a marked scale on the instrument. Then, they used sea charts to calculate their exact position. In 1731, the Hadley octant was improved. This new design became the basis for the modern sextant. One octant in the museum has the name 'Yeates' on it. This likely refers to a George Yeates, who was active from 1826 to 1858.
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Visiting the Museum
The museum is open to visitors several days a week when college is not in session. If you want to visit between October and May, you can arrange a visit by making an appointment.
