We are pleased to inform you that with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Linen Hall is launching a new project to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, The Linen Hall is launching a new project to explore its origins and legacies. Through an exhibition, a series of events and an oral history project, The Linen Hall will reflect on the processes which led to the accord, the competing sides of the referendum campaign, and its impact. To find out more, please visit our website: https://www.linenhall.com/origins-legacies-the-belfast-good-friday-agreement/

The Linen Hall Director, Julie Andrews said,

‘The Northern Ireland Political Collection in The Linen Hall is the largest and most significant collection of its kind in the world. This is a unique resource. No other institution has systematically collected material from all sides. Over the years, we have gained a reputation as a shared space. Within it, the Collection is a place where any opinion can be consulted. By documenting the “Troubles” and making the material available, we aim to play a vital role in contributing to better understanding between people. We are in the unique position to have both the resources and the experience to develop a comprehensive programme that will highlight both the origins and the legacies of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. On behalf of The Linen Hall, I would like to express my gratitude to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting this project.’

Dr Paul Mullan, Director, Northern Ireland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said,

‘It is fantastic news that thanks to the National Lottery players, we have been able to support The Linen Hall to animate its unique political collection and bringing to life this significant period of our history. The Origins & Legacies exhibition and events alongside the oral history project allow us to explore and reflect on the Good Friday Agreement and to consider its inception and how it impacts us 25 years later.’

  • The Legacy of the Agreement – A panel conversation with Phillip Brett, Pádraig Delargy, Kate Nicholl, Cara Hunter, and John Stewart. Monday 3rd April, 6 pm.
  • The Origins of the Agreement – A panel conversation with Gary McMichael, Monica McWilliams, Bríd Rodgers, Lord Peter Weir, and Mitchel McLaughlin. Friday 14th April, 6 pm.
  • Implementing the Agreement – A panel conversation with Lord John Alderdice, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Carmel Hanna, Conor Murphy, and Quintin Oliver. Friday 21st April, 6 pm.
  • The Agreement: Before & After – An evening of drama curated by Ian McElhinney and Dan Gordon. Saturday 29th April, 6.30 pm.
  • Your Referendum – A talk with Professor Jon Tonge and Suzanne Breen, followed by a live poll. Monday 22nd May, 6 pm.