Communities Minister visited the Somme Museum
last week to tour the facility and provide almost £30,000 in
funding. This vital funding will go towards the operating costs
of the Museum as it continues its educational and outreach work.
Following the visit, Minister Lyons said: “At this time of year,
it is particularly poignant that we remember the sacrifices made
by so many during World War one, and in particular all those who
made the ultimate sacrifice at the Somme to safeguard the
freedoms we enjoy today. The Somme Museum is highlighting the
Christmas Truce of 1914 as part of its educational programme in
December and school groups and families can experience the
realities of life in the trenches and the bleakness of No Man's
Land during their visit.
“I recognise the important role museums play in our society,
preserving our past and educating future generations. This museum
has an immensely powerful story to tell and the artefacts and
collections from World War One and beyond should be
shared and remembered. I hope this additional funding will
sustain the Somme Museum in the months to come.”
The Somme Museum is one of a number of nationally significant
independent cultural institutions funded by the Department for
Communities. In the last year, the Museum has hosted over 2800
students from 30 different primary and secondary schools across
Northern Ireland as part of its education work.
