Hands-On History

The role of a museum in a community has changed quite a bit over the years. No longer is it a place people go to see static exhibits behind glass, but to interact with the past directly and immerse themselves in heritage. To this end, the museum has been focusing a lot in recent years on tactile projects which involve touch and sensory exploration. This type of learning is accessible and customisable and has been a core part of our education offering.

As part of this project, we will work with The Discovery Programme to develop a full-size archaeological dig site representing the Woodstown Warrior’s grave to be in place permanently in the museum. This fixture would be a resource, not just for schools, but for tourists and help to build on the incredible work done by the Woodstown Steering Committee in building excitement and interest in this incredibly important site. Every Heritage Week, a living history programme known as Aonach na nDeise takes place on the site which includes an excavation of a replica grave and we would like to build upon this small element of the project with advice from those involved to create this installation.