Northern Ireland is on the cusp of helping the world understand the challenges of developing shared futures, while the acceptance of differing narratives in relation to the past is vital to enable healing to begin in divided societies.

These two themes were at the heart of a fascinating symposium on ‘Different Communities, Difficult Histories', held in Washington DC and jointly organised by Queen’s University Belfast’s Centre for Public History and Colombian College of Arts and Sciences at George Washington University, alongside the Smithsonian and Ulster Museums.

Secretary Lonnie G Bunch III, who heads up the Smithsonian Institution, was speaking at the event to mark his new appointment at Queen's as an Honorary Professor of Practice at the Centre for Public History, in the School Of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics.

Secretary Bunch took part in an in-conversation event with Kathryn Thompson, Chief Executive of National Museums Northern Ireland, examining the role of museums presenting difficult pasts and the challenges that brought. The discussion was followed by a number of workshops involving academics from the two universities as well as representatives of the Ulster Museum and Smithsonian.

Secretary Bunch, who visited Belfast last year to take part in an event at Queen’s, said:

“It was a visit to Ulster Museum that helped me understand the difficulties in interpreting divided histories through its presentation of the Troubles. Most people want simple answers to complex questions, but there are not simple answers and the question is how do you create a shared narrative. And I believe Northern Ireland is on the cusp of helping us all understand the competing complexities and challenges of developing a shared future.”

Professor Olwen Purdue, who is the Director of Queen’s Centre for Public History, said that in 2025 the Troubles seems like another lifetime, another world away from the vibrant city that Belfast has become, while addressing concerns that some have in relation to revisiting events of the past.

She said:

“My answer is that there all sorts of dangers in curating exhibitions that deal with the suffering of others , particularly when those sufferings are recent and their legacies are still present. But much greater danger lies in neglecting to speak out about the past that divides us.

“The role of museums and other public institutions is therefore vital in helping us understand the past, in acknowledging our own trauma and the trauma of others. They help to open our minds to the many varied and even contested narratives of the past, in ways that encourage understanding and respect, and allow space for healing to begin.”

Announcing a £750,000 funding package to support further development at the Ulster American Folk Park outside Omagh, which was warmly welcomed by Ms Thompson on behalf of National Museums Northern Ireland, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons underlined the importance of the work of museums and the partnership with Queen’s University in relation to promoting understanding and reconciliation.

He said:

“The strategic partnership between Queen’s and the National Museums NI exemplifies the power of collaboration in advancing cultural research and public engagement. By combining Queen’s rigorous academic research with the National Museum’s expertise in presenting history and engaging audiences, the partnership brings Northern Ireland’s experiences and learning to an international stage.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, were among a host of high profile members of the audience along with a range of important academics from across Ireland and the United States of America.

 

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