Derry to dig deep for Archaeology Week celebrations
Derry will be stepping back in time this weekend with a series of special events celebrating local history taking place at the Guildhall this Saturday.
The events, which are being led by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Museum and Visitor Services, coincide with the Britain’s Festival of Archaeology (16-31 July ).
Children will have the opportunity to experience a series of fascinating historical challenges with an archaeological dig, archaeology information fair, tours and exhibits, living history re-enactments and a scavenger hunt.
On the day the School of Irish Archaeology (SIA) will facilitate a mock dig for children in Guildhall Square on Saturday running from 11.00am to 5.00pm.
The hourly sessions are a practical hands-on and fun experience for children allowing them to experience what it’s like to be a real life Indiana Jones.
The replica Viking house excavation will give children an opportunity to dig for treasures and artefacts while learning about our Viking ancestors.
There will also be an archaeology information fair in the Main Hall of the Guildhall with experts on hand to provide information on how to become involved in archaeology.
Fascinating historical artefacts will also be on display, including the first public unveiling of Mabel Colhoun’s lifetime collection which highlights the discoveries of the city’s trailblazing 20th century female archaeologist, including historic photographs from Derry and Inishowen, prehistoric artefacts from local sites and exotic jewellery from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
Meanwhile Hearthside Heritage will invite participants to taste the past with recipes from the Mesolithic, Bronze Age and Plantation era.
Interactive sessions will be held throughout the day in the Main Hall of Guildhall and feature a variety of ancient foods from the region.
Other family fun activities on the day will include a scavenger hunt, 17th century sword school, historic maritime navigation demonstrations and colouring pages.
There will also be a series of talks throughout the day and feature stories and photos from excavations of the Spanish Armada, Boom Hall, Inishowen, and Downhill. The Big Dig sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, will run from 11.00am – 5.00pm.
Anyone interested can register for a place in advance on the Big Dig go to https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-big-dig-archaeology-month-in-guildhall-square-derry-tickets-25940866831