Tower Museum to preview exciting new exhibitions featuring discoveries by local archaeologists

The Tower Museum will host two fascinating events next week shining a light on some of the fascinating discoveries of local archaeologists.

The events are part of the new autumn/winter learning programme which showcase two major temporary exhibitions coming up next year.

On Thursday 17th November at 7.30pm, in advance of a major new exhibition next July, Denise Henry will give a talk about famous local archaeologist, naturalist and teacher, Mabel Colhoun. Mabel Remington Colhoun (1905-1992): Our guide to Archaeology in the North West will examine the life and work of Mabel as an archaeologist alongside an examination of her life as a teacher here in the city.

Museum Curator Roisin Doherty, said the talk would provide some fascinating insight into Mabel’s life ahead of the much anticipated exhibition next year.

“Mabel’s life and achievements are awe-inspiring, especially as a woman in the landscape of the early 20th century. Her collection, which is currently cared for by Council’s Museum & Visitor Services is incredible, and we are very excited about the exhibition next year.

“Denise has a great in-depth knowledge of Mabel’s life, and I would encourage anyone with an interest in local heritage to come along and find out more.”

On Friday 18th November at 10am, the focus shifts to local maritime discoveries as the Tower Museum hosts a special coffee morning around the story of the Laurentic, in advance of a major temporary exhibition opening in the museum on the 25th of January - the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the famous ship. Artefacts from the ships will be on display, and some of the divers who worked on the wreck site will be present to talk to members of the public about the famous ship.

Museum Education Officer Ronan McConnell said:

“We are hugely excited about the exhibition coming to the Tower Museum on January, and anyone who has an interest or is even mildly curious about local shipwrecks or maritime heritage should come along to find about the incredible story of the Laurentic.

“We have some fascinating archives from the owner of the wreck, and visitors to the coffee morning will get a really good taster of what our exhibition will be about. We also encourage other divers or maritime enthusiasts who would like to get involved to come along and find out more.”

If you would like to attend either or both events, please RSVP at [email protected] or call 028 7137 2411.