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The Orange Order has launched ambitious plans to develop
interpretive centres at its headquarters in Belfast and in
Loughall,Co. Armagh, the founding place of Orangeism.
The Order is the lead partner in a £4M project which
will see museums and interpretive centres at Schomberg House,
Belfast, and Sloan's House in Loughall.
"It will be an unequalled historical collection of historical
material relating to Orangeism," said Director of Services
Dr. David Hume.
An application for the iconic proposal has been submitted
to a European Funding Programme along with a detailed business
plan.
Dr. Hume went on;
"It is a central plank of the submission that the Orange
Order has a key role in society and that unless there is engagement
with the Order from the wider community, there will continue
to be misunderstandings leading to conflict and lack of respect
for difference cultures.
"The Orange interpretive centres proposal gives the
opportunity for that understanding to develop."
Planning permissions has already been obtained for the proposed
development at Schomberg House, while permission is pending
for the Loughall site.
Museum consultants from London have visited both sites and
produced detailed plans to enhance the outstanding collection
of artefacts and documents which is held by the Orange Order.
Their suggestions include the re-creation of a one-third
replica model of the sculpture of King William on Clifton
Street Orange Hall in Belfast as a focal point for the display
area at Schomberg House.
An early 20th century Orange Hall would also be created inside
the building and would be utilised as the entrance to a new
dedicated museum area as well as an educational resource for
school and community visits, and a location for lodge meetings.
At Loughall, there are plans for tableaux which will recreate
the signing of the first Orange Lodge warrants in 1795.
Already 100 Orange lodges across Ireland have written in
support of the proposals and highlighted that they have historical
materials which they would wish to place in any new interpretive
centre.
Support letters from across the community have also been
submitted with the application with testimonials from schools
and community groups who have engaged with the Order and its
community education programme.
In addition, the Cavan County and Monaghan County Museums
and the Millmount Museum in Drogheda have signed up to be
partners with the Loughall Centre, while the Somme Centre
and the White House at Whiteabbey are partners with the Schomberg
House project. This means that the various sites will be able
to transfer exhibitions and literature will be on hand at
each encouraging visitors to the others.
"This is without doubt one of the most significant projects
ever undertaken by the Orange Order," said Dr. Hume.
"We know there is a massive appetite from all sections
of the community about our history and these interpretive
centres will become the focal point for anyone who has a sense
of history and tradition and wants to learn more."
The plans were unveiled to politicians, opinion formers,
historians and other interested people at an event in Schomberg
House.
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