In a bid to unveil the long-hidden military history of Irish soldiers and their families within the British Army, a mysterious museum has secured a generous grant of £250,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Named UNTOLD: The Museum, this ambitious project is set to establish cutting-edge exhibition centers spanning two locations in Belfast and Enniskillen. The initial phase will see the grand opening of the Belfast galleries in the summer of 2027, housed within the restored historic linen warehouse on 28 Bedford Street.
Following this, the museum’s second phase will involve revamping the current displays at Enniskillen Castle, promising a comprehensive exploration of the intertwined narratives of Irish military personnel and their kin.
A plethora of artifacts, dispersed across six distinct collections including revered Victoria Crosses, will be amalgamated under this transformative initiative. Noteworthy contributors to this collective narrative will be the Inniskillings Museum, Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum, Royal Ulster Rifles Museum, Royal Irish Regiment Museum, Collections and Archives of the Royal Irish Regiment, and Collections and Archives of the North Irish Horse. Additionally, disbanded regiments from present-day Republic of Ireland will also feature prominently in this multifaceted tale.
Hugh Crossey, the esteemed chairman of UNTOLD: The Museum, expressed gratitude for the backing from the Heritage Fund, emphasizing the project’s potential to inspire a fresh perspective and forge meaningful connections across varied generations. He underscored the pivotal role of education in the forthcoming exhibitions, inviting visitors to delve into the resilient lives of Irish men and women who transcended societal divides to leave an enduring mark on history.
Dr. Laura Patrick, the dedicated regimental heritage officer of the Royal Irish Regiment, articulated a desire to delve into the human stories behind the uniformed façade of the British Army. She stressed the importance of exploring soldiers’ motivations, experiences, and challenges upon returning home, particularly those hailing from the southern regions. Dr. Patrick envisioned the museum as a safe haven for open dialogue and mutual exploration of a complex and enthralling narrative, aiming to celebrate shared heritage and bridge existing divides within Northern Ireland’s societal fabric.
Central to the museum’s mission is the aspiration to spark conversations that transcend boundaries, fostering unity and understanding within and between communities. By leveraging Ireland’s shared military heritage, the museum seeks to promote healing and reconciliation, offering a platform for dialogue and reflection on a storied past that often evokes disparate emotions among diverse groups.
Embracing a vision of inclusivity and shared understanding, UNTOLD: The Museum stands as a beacon of hope and enlightenment, beckoning individuals from all walks of life to partake in a collective journey of discovery and reconciliation. Through its innovative exhibitions and thought-provoking displays, the museum aims to rewrite history, not as a divisive narrative but as a tapestry of interconnected experiences that bind us together in a shared legacy of resilience, courage,
