This latest investment, made through the Sharing Heritage and Our Heritage grant programmes, will enable local communities across Northern Ireland to get involved in exploring, protecting and learning more about the heritage that matters to them.

Commenting on the awards, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, said: “We are delighted to announce this latest investment in Northern Ireland’s heritage. From our cultural identity to museum collections and military heritage, these five projects will help increase our understanding of our past and we look forward to seeing the projects gets underway.

“HLF’s Sharing Heritage and Our Heritage grant programmes are perfect for first-time applicants seeking up to £100,000 for their heritage project, and we would encourage anyone interested in learning more about accessing our funding to get in touch.”

The five new projects to receive funding are:

By the Roots, The Bytes Project - awarded grant of £3,700
Young people from Newtownabbey will use their Sharing Heritage grant to explore the concept of identity. They will start by looking at their own identity through researching their family trees and then work outwards to explore other cultural identities. Their project will see them using local heritage centres such as the Somme Centre, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and Public Records Office and sharing their findings via a website. The project will be accredited through the Youth Achievement Awards and through their participation the young people will work towards achieving a recognised qualification. A community event will showcase the research work and allow the young people to celebrate their achievements.

Ross.Connect, Kilbroney Community Association - awarded grant of £9,200
General Robert Ross and the connections between the USA, Canada and Rostrevor will be recorded and shared through the Ross.Connect project. Themes to be explored include the links to General Ross, his engagement in the War of 1812, his influence in the writing of the American anthem - The Star Spangled Banner - the involvement of the United Irishmen in the War of 1812 and the Ulster Scots background of the Ross Family. Materials relating to Ross and other historical figures and events connected to Rostrevor will be collected, preserved and exhibited and volunteers will receive training to enable them to conduct guided tours of the village.

North Irish Horse and Community Heritage Project, North Irish Horse Regimental Association - awarded grant of £58,100
The industrial and military heritage of the Borough of Carrickfergus and the North Irish Horse will be at the heart of this project. The North Irish Horse is a Special Reserve Regiment that played a prominent part in the North African and Italian industrial war campaigns. They were equipped with Churchill tanks manufactured by Harland and Wolff in their factory located in Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus. The funding will be used to restore and display a WWII Churchill tank at Marine Gardens, near the town centre. Associated learning and promotional activities will include a schools programme and lecture series to raise awareness of this important heritage.

Battle, Bricks and Bridges: Rediscovering our rural industrial and historical heritage, Cleenish Community Association - awarded grant of £51,700
The two main themes of this project are the Battle of the Ford of the Biscuit which occurred in 1594 and was the opening salvo of the nine years war; and the largely forgotten industrial heritage of local brick-making. Activities will include an archaeological excavation of possible sites of the Battle of the Ford of the Biscuit, which may yield additional information to increase our understanding of this event and period of Irish history. Excavations of an old brickworks and brick makers' cottage will also be undertaken. Education initiatives including the making of a film and creation of a website will help to interpret this heritage for the local community to learn from and enjoy.

Milford House Museum, Milford Buildings Preservation Trust – awarded grant of £100,000
Milford House Museum has been awarded grant funding to secure the future of the Milford House collection. The new project will allow the museum’s collection to be more fully opened up; a number of artefacts will be restored and several new items purchased to add to, and enhance the current offering. The funding will enable the team to conduct an enhanced programme of outreach and educational work. New literature will be produced and the website updated to promote the collections, conservation works and facilities at the Museum. The local community will be invited to get involved in the project, with volunteers recruited and trained to act as tour guides and visitor assistants.

Further information

Julie Halliday, HLF NI Press Officer at Julieh@hlf.org.uk