Decade Of Centenaries Exhibit Opens

A new interactive exhibition, detailing some of the many important centenaries being marked in Belfast over the coming years, has opened at the City Hall.

At an opening ceremony last night, junior minister Jennifer McCann said this decade was a "historic opportunity to revisit the past".

She said: "While each of us has different beliefs, outlooks and experiences, it is without doubt that our past, our present, and our future is shared.

"This decade of centenaries presents us with the opportunity to celebrate in a way which will position our community as a powerful example in conflict resolution and transformation on the world stage."

Under the theme 'Shared History - Different Allegiances', the exhibition focuses on key events between 1912 and 1914.

These include the campaigns for and against Home Rule, the signing of the Ulster Covenant, the suffrage movement, the growth of volunteer armies, gun running and the Gaelic revival.

The exhibition includes photographs, archive film footage and artifacts, and visitors can check if their ancestors signed the Ulster Covenant, and listen to words from key players from the period including Edward Carson, James Craig, James Connolly, Lord Pirrie, Lady Londonderry and Winifred Carney.

It will be on display in the East foyer of the City Hall until the end of February.

It is the first in a series of three exhibitions which will be staged as part of Belfast City Council's 'Decade of Centenaries' programme for the years 1912 - 1922.

For more information, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/centenaries.

(NE)