Thirty x 30:30 Years of Collecting At Down Museum

Thirty x 30: 30 Years of Collecting, featured dozens of 30 groups of objects specially chosen by 30 individuals or groups of people from the local community. Down County Museum is marking its thirtieth anniversary this year. The museum was established by Down District Council in 1981 to collect, conserve and interpret objects relating to the history and culture of the County. MIke King, Museum Curator said, “Since 1981 the museum has built up a collection of over 10,000 objects and 40,000 photographs which richly illustrate the unique heritage of Down. This could not have been achieved without the assistance of those who donated objects to the museum, volunteers and the Friends of Down County Museum and other, numerous local supporters as well as organisations that provided grant aid for various initiatives. [caption id="attachment_28024" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Down District Council Chairman Councillor Dermot Curran pictured at the the 30:30 exhibition at the Down County Museum with guests. Included is Mike King, Museum Curator."][/caption] “To recognise this invaluable assistance the museum asked local people and representatives of local groups to get involved in the special exhibition which presented their favourite objects to the wider community. An amazing variety of objects were chosen ranging from toys and games to political documents. “The choice included items as diverse as an Edwardian wedding suit, a racing car used at Kirkiston track and a tumble dryer to a doctor’s bag, a decoupage screen and a model ship with a host of others as well. “The selection of objects is accompanied by information on them and on the people who chose them detailing why they think these particular objects are important to the story of County Down.” The Thirty x 30: 30 Years of Collecting opened on 8th July at Down County Museum and continues until 28th September. The exhibition is open daily and admission is free.]]>