Portraits of Home exhibition opens at Mayo museum
WHAT does it mean to call a place home? That is the question posed by a new photography and audio exhibition exploring belonging through the voices of people who live in Mayo.
Portraits of Home is on display now on Level B of the exhibition galleries at the National Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park.
The participants come from a wide range of backgrounds - some were born here, some arrived from elsewhere, but many know what it is to build a home while holding connections to another place.
The project has been supported by Westport Family Resource Centre and funded by the National Integration Fund.
MY FAVOURITE OBJECT
The National Museum has launched a new activity booklet for young visitors to explore Ireland’s National Folklife Collection.
Combining culture, creativity and fun, the new My Favourite Object activity invites visitors to search high and low through the galleries to identify their favourite object. Children can then learn more about their chosen artefact through a series of creative activities.
This is a free, drop-in activity, available from reception during museum opening hours and suitable for children of all ages.
MAYO LIVES FROM THE ARCHIVES
Join the members of Mayo Genealogy Group for their annual series of talks, showcasing ongoing research into the lives and stories of Mayo people, with new insights from the 1926 Census returns. This event takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 14.
Ann Leydon and Patricia Conway will deliver a talk about the untold stories of Mayo’s revolutionary women as they navigated life in the Irish Free State. Bernie Courtney will talk about the 1939 UK Register and its relevance in Irish genealogical research.
This is a free event but places are limited and booking is required. Visit museum.ie for booking details or email bookingscountrylife@museum.ie.
ARDAGH CHALICE REPLICA
Learn more about the design of the famous Sam Maguire Cup through the temporary display of a 19th century silver chalice. The example at Turlough Park is a beautifully crafted replica of the renowned Ardagh Chalice, which served as the inspiration for one of Ireland’s most iconic and coveted sporting trophies.
The chalice was made by silversmith Edmund Johnson in 1897-98 and is on display on Level A of the exhibition galleries.
SOAPBOX DREAMS
Visit a vibrant exhibit on Level B of the exhibition galleries - a soap box car raced at local and national derbies in the 1950s. Ready, Steady, Go! Soapbox Dreams in 1950s Ireland looks at an interesting chapter in social and sporting history in mid-century Ireland when these soapbox derbies proved hugely popular and drew thousands of spectators.
The car - recently donated to the National Folklife Collection - is on public display for the first time.
OPENING HOURS
Admission to the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park House & Gardens is free. The exhibition galleries are open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday to Monday from 1 to 5 p.m.