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Irish Famine Book Inspires New Museum Exhibit
4 Apr
Summary
- A new museum exhibition brings the Irish famine story to life.
- The book's themes of famine and displacement resonate today.
- The novel has a global reach, taught in schools worldwide.
An interactive museum exhibition has opened at the Ulster American Folk Park in County Tyrone, bringing to life the poignant story of "Under the Hawthorn Tree." This celebrated children's novel, which recounts the experiences of Eily, Michael, and Peggy during the Irish famine of the mid-19th century, has resonated with readers for generations.
Author Marita Conlon-McKenna highlighted the story's timely relevance, stating that themes of famine and displacement echo current global issues. The book, translated into numerous languages, is a staple on school curriculums worldwide, reaching children in countries like Mexico and across America. Conlon-McKenna expressed her deep appreciation for the exhibition, noting how it surpassed her expectations.
The exhibition's centerpiece is a large hawthorn tree sculpture. The first school group to visit was from St Eithne's School in Derry, where pupils shared their positive experiences with the book and the interactive displays. The museum's senior curator of history emphasized the value of learning from the past to inform present and future lives.
