Press Release

Having the time of 'Our Lives' at the Tower Museum

Wednesday 21st May

Throughout the month of May people across Europe are being encouraged to visit their local museums and galleries through promotional offers such as family screenings, reduced admission and alternative opening hours.

Living History Characters John and Noreen Hamilton who participated in workshops to preview exhibition which officially opens on Saturday 24th May

An added incentive for many people in the city to visit the award-winning Tower Museum will be a fascinating new exhibition entitled 'Our Lives' which will officially open on Saturday 24th May.

The exhibition is based on the everyday lives of people in the North West region during the late 1940's and early 1950's during the post-war era and has been developed in partnership with the Causeway Museum Service. A range of exhibits has been assembled in order to present a realistic picture of life during this period. Items such as a 1950's television set, one of the first electric heaters and a basic iron, will be a stark reminder for many, of the limited uses of electricity back then.

A selection of old toys and original prams will provide a trip down memory lane for post-war babies while a range of kitchen and farming implements highlight how much harder and time consuming even the simplest tasks were back then.

The inclusion of original 1950's clothing and the central connection to the rest of the world -the radio - will help seal a perfect picture of days gone by. Margaret Edwards, Education Officer for the Heritage and Museum Service explains that this is an exhibition that will be enjoyed by all generations. She continues

"It is one thing to describe periods in history but an exhibition like this is really brings it to life as well as being very entertaining. 'Our Lives' will be a popular family adventure, as younger people will enjoy the stories from older generations and the memories that many of these exhibits will inspire. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank local businesses and supporters of the Museum for contributing to the exhibition and would welcome any further items that could be displayed temporarily."

In order to encourage families to enjoy a step back in time together the museum has organised a special family fun day on Saturday June 21st when living history characters will be on hand for questions and a series of arts and crafts connected to the exhibition will be available also.

The exhibition will run from May 24th until the end of July providing families with the perfect day out over the summer holidays. Patrons should also note the summer opening times for the Tower Museum ensure that it will be open seven days weekly from June 1st.

For further information on this or any other exhibition at the Tower Museum please contact reception telephone 028 7137 2411 or simply log on to www.derrycity.gov.uk/museums

Ends

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