Newry and Mourne Museum Unveils ‘Object of the Month’ Display Case

Newry and Mourne Museum has unveiled a new ‘object of the month’ display case which will showcase a changing selection of objects, each with their own story.

Featuring items usually held in storage, the new display case located on the museum’s second floor, will shine a spotlight on a wider range of local histories, with the public invited to help shape the stories being told. Objects may come from the museum’s collections or be loaned by residents, families, businesses and community groups.

The first object chosen for display is a fascinating oak alms box from the former Convent of Mercy in Newry. Dating from around 1880, the box is divided into four compartments labelled "Subscriptions", "Community", "Sundries" and "Poor". While simple in appearance, it provides a remarkable insight into how charitable donations were collected, organised and distributed more than a century ago.

The new display case was unveiled by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, on 29 October, and he thanked the Northern Ireland Museums Council for its support for the project via its Capital Grant Programme.

“The objects that go on display will help reveal the rich and varied history of the Newry, Mourne and Down area, from industry and agriculture to sport, faith, migration, community life and everyday experiences,” he said.

The object of the month programme is not simply about looking back, it’s about asking what stories matter today. Every object has a story and sometimes those stories are hidden in plain sight. It could be an item linked to someone’s job, a sporting achievement, or simply something kept at home that captures an aspect of local life worth remembering.

Speaking at the display case launch, Newry and Mourne Museum Curator, Shân McAnena said, “We hope the display case will become a space for discovery, conversation and community involvement. Most importantly, we hope it will encourage people to see local heritage not as something belonging only to the past, but as something that continues to be created and shared today. We want to hear which objects, themes and stories people across the district would like to see represented”.

Newry and Mourne Museum is inviting the public to suggest objects or lend personal items, family keepsakes and community artefacts for future monthly displays.

To submit an idea or offer an item for display, visit:
https://www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/museums/newry-and-mourne-museum/exhibitions/object-of-the-month/submit-your-object-of-the-month