Cultural Pavillion
Key themes uncovered include the rich cultural offerings of the Derry Donegal region.
A Rich Christian Heritage - St Colmcille, or Columba, as he is also known, left Derry & Donegal to bring Christianity to the wider world. Visit our Columban Exhibition and meet with Columban Monk Brother Aidan, tour the virtual museum and find out about our Columban sites and events in Derry & Donegal
Emigration – Gateway to the World. Derry was a key emigrant port in the 18th & 19th centuries and the Northwest has a unique Diaspora of 9m. Visit our exhibition to explore your family story, watch archive footage and trace the emigrant journey from ‘The Old Country’ to ‘The New World’.
Genealogy: Who do you think you are? Explore your family history with our Ask the Genealogist sessions. Brian Mitchell and Dr Paddy Fitzgerald will guide you through emigration records, and offer a series of enlightening talks on Emigration.
Textiles: Textiles will be explored with weaving sessions from Studio Donegal in Kilcar. Learn about the shirt factory girls in Derry – immortalized in story and song.
Food: Find out about the abundance of wild Atlantic seafood which the region has to offer. Visitors can also learn the origins of Irish Coffee in Donegal and get a master-class in how to make the perfect Irish Coffee at home.
Fiddle Tradition – from tin fiddles made by roving tinsmiths, to box fiddles and more – visitors can explore our distinctive style, with Rab Cherry sharing unique insights into the magic of this unique style.
World War II: Another central showcase is that of Base Camp Once at the Beech Hill in Derry, and an opportunity to learn how Derry’s support during WWII helped to shorten the war by up to two years. Author Mary Pat Kelly will explore the story of the US Marines stationed in the city and their impact on the social life of the city, not least the story of the Derry brides.
Presidential Connections - The North West of Ireland can boast many presidential connections and this story will be told with the support of the Ulster Scots Agency.
Roving Historical Characters - Visitors to the Milwaukee Irish fest can also meet with key Historical Characters from Derry & Donegal, in association with Blue Eagle Productions. These include Brother Aidan a Columban Monk, Davey Crockett, Jane Browning Siege Character and a GI stationed in the City during WWII. Come along and take a step back in time with these engaging characters from our past and learn of the impact beyond these shores.
