Temporary Exhibitions

War Declared: the local impact of World War II 

The United Kingdom declared war on Germany on 3 September 1939 and this major exhibition marks the eightieth anniversary of the outbreak of World War II by looking at the impact of the conflict on Newry and Mourne. Key themes in the exhibition include preparations for war in the area during the late 1930s, Civil Defence, local recruitment in the armed forces, evacuees, rationing and smuggling, regiments stationed in the area and the arrival of American troops and airmen in 1942. The exhibition also considers the effect of the war on the local economy, especially in the context of a Border community, and the legacy of war in the area in the later 1940s and early 1950s. 

These themes are also explored through the memories of local people which highlight the impact of World War II on individuals, families and communities. Many such stories are often undocumented elsewhere. 

The Legacy: Newry 1920 - 1930 

Using material from the Museum Collection, this exhibition explores how the Newry and Mourne area was impacted by Partition. Visitors will see how the Newry and Mourne area was affected by the events that shaped modern Ireland, from the War of Independence, the Treaty negotiations, Partition, the Civil War and of course being on the northern side of the border after the Boundary Commission report in 1925. 

On display are a wide range of artefacts, including, papers relating to Éamon Donnelly, a leading anti-Partitionist, who was the Ulster organiser for Sinn Féin in the 1921 election and election agent for Michael Collins. Also, on display, are Boundary Commission papers including representations from the Bessbrook & Newry Tramway Company as well as a graphic panel comprising quotes from submissions made by local people to the Boundary Commission in 1924. 

The Museum commissioned several prominent historians to write a series of essays that provide a greater insight into Newry and its hinterland in this crucial period. These have been complied in a booklet which accompanies the exhibition and will is free to those who visit the exhibition. 

The exhibition is part-funded through the Shared History Fund, which The National Lottery Heritage Fund delivered on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office. Funding for the exhibition and booklet was also provided by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Good Relations Plan.