Press Release

Mayor to launch Ulster connections - Ulster and Slavery Exhibition

Monday 10 December 2007

The Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson will officiate at the opening of an exhibition aimed at marking the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery.

The exhibition which was funded by a £37,700 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, is entitled Hidden Connections - Ulster and Slavery 1807 - 2007 and will be on display at the Harbour Museum from 13 December until the end of January 2008.

The exhibition is curated by Grace McGrath from the Public Record Office NI in partnership with the Linen Hall Library and is designed to mark the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire in 1807. The exhibition shows how Ulstermen and women played a distinguished part in the campaign to abolish slavery as well as the part played by those from Ulster who owned slaves and plantations.

Among the guest speakers at the launch will be Grace McGrath from the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland while local historian Annesley Malley will give a short talk on John Newton who was a slave trader and who later repented his ways and became a devout Christian.

Roisin Doherty, Head of Museum Services explained that there is a possible Derry connection with John Newtown. She explained: “It was recorded that he visited Derry in 1748 whilst his ship, the Greyhound, was being repaired in Lough Swilly. His journal recounts his visit to Derry and that he went out shooting with the Mayor. His own musket went off by accident as he dropped it and the shot went through his hat. Before this he had had a number of near misses on board ship as First Mate and he then decided to “attend services twice daily” and then turned over a new leaf. He became a Church of England clergyman and is famous for writing a number of hymns and sermons, his most famous being Amazing Grace. He died on 21st December 1807, almost 200 years ago.”

The exhibition launch will take place ahead of a special Interdenominational Service, led by the Dean of Derry, the Very Rev Dr William Morton on Sunday 16 December at 4 pm.in St Columb's Cathedral. The service is being organised by Dean Morton and staff at St Columb's Cathedral in association with Derry City Council in commemoration of the life of John Newton and the bicententary of the abolition of the slave trade.

All faiths are encouraged to come along to the Service and it will feature choral performances by the St Columb’s Choir of a number of John Newton hymns. Encouraging as many people as possible to come along, Margaret Edwards said the event will provide the local community with a unique opportunity to acknowledge this important part of local heritage.

Further details can be obtained by contacting the Harbour Museum at 028 71 377331.

Ends

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