Discover local heritage ‘Through the Times’ at Limavady Workhouse Exhibition

LOCAL residents can step back in time by visiting the new exhibition at Limavady Workhouse, with the opportunity to explore living heritage, poignant tales and glimpse the fascinating past of the iconic building.

The ‘Through the Times’ interpretative exhibition was launched on 18 September and runs until 4 October on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am – 12noon and 2pm – 4pm, with extended opening hours until 7pm on Wednesday 1 October.

Offering visitors an opportunity to discover one of the best-preserved workhouses in Northern Ireland, the exhibition is generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland and National Lottery players.

Karen Heaney from Limavady Community Development Initiative explained why the story of the Workhouse is such a powerful channel for local people to connect with their past history.

“The exhibition tells a deeply human story from the formation of the workhouse during the darkest days of the Famine, through years of hardship, emigration, and survival, to its remarkable transformation into Roe Valley District hospital that served generations with care and compassion,” she explained.

“What began as a place of last resort became over time, the heart of the community.

“We want visitors to reflect not only on the past, but also on the enduring role this building has played over 180 years and continues to play in the life of the town and the community."

The exhibition features a previously unseen collection of archived objects, costumes and artefacts, specially curated to bring the history of the workhouse to life.

Specially designed interpretative boards were created to display in the exhibition as part of this project.

School groups are welcome to visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the exhibition provides an educational revelation for children and young adults to connect with history on their own doorstep.

This opportunity was recently enjoyed by Primary 7 students at Termoncanice Primary School, with further visits planned by Drumachose Primary School and local scouting groups.

Full story in this week's Northern Constitution.