Friends of Down County Museum mark 30th anniversary

Friends of Down County Museum mark 30th anniversary

27 November 2019

THE Friends of Down County Museum celebrated their 30th anniversary this year at their annual dinner, which was held in the Museum Café on Friday evening.

The Friends of Down County Museum was founded in 1989 when a group of people came together to promote the aims and objectives of the museum throughout the community of Co Down and beyond. 

The group numbers almost 200 people from all over the world who play a vital role in developing the work of the museum. 

During their 30 years the Friends have helped out with the cataloguing of the museum’s photographic collection, purchased objects for the museum’s collection, contributed to items as diverse as display cases for exhibitions and costume for education sessions, and raised money for a number of events and projects. 

They have assisted with funding for the display of the Downpatrick High Cross and for the conservation of art works. They are currently helping to fund a commissioned piece of art which will help interpret the stories of prisoners in the old Gaol. 

Members of the group also enjoy a packed programme of social events. Every year trips to other museums and places of historical interest are organised. and the annual dinner is always an enjoyable evening. Members also participate in the museum’s community outreach projects and contribute to museum publications and research. 

The museum is grateful to the vital contribution the Friends make to its work and would encourage local people and people from all over Co Down to join the membership and get involved in supporting the museum’s community work.