I wonder if the idea of a museum of childhood is a contradiction in terms? A museum is a space for preservation after all, whereas childhood should be a space for unimpeded activities of playful exploring, discarding, abandoning, followed by more play. Yet, childhood makes an indelible mark on our mind’s eye, and, as science… Continue reading Reflections on … childhood adventures, play, risk and freedom
Tag: Childhood
When We Were Kings and Queens of the Road: Daniel Airey
The Secondary School Years 2010-2016. The secondary school years. 6:45am, my dad knocks on the door and comes into my room as another day begins. He utters a friendly yet firm good morning greeting as I slowly regain awareness of my existence. Dad walks over to my bedside radio and turns on Today FM as… Continue reading When We Were Kings and Queens of the Road: Daniel Airey
The Children of Achill & Robert Henri Project & History Festival
2024 Announcement! The Museum of Childhood Ireland (MoCI) are delighted to announce that we have received funding from Mayo County Council, and ethical approval through NUIG, for an oral history researcher to begin research work on a second project and festival from the MoCI, ‘Achill’s Children and Robert Henri, an Oral History’ in September 2023.… Continue reading The Children of Achill & Robert Henri Project & History Festival
‘Fintona’ Doll House 1840s
The doll house was placed in storage in Belfast in the 1930s by a family from Fintona, County Tyrone, before being sold by Christie’s, London, in October 2004, and again at C & T Auctions, Kent in November 2022. Mr David Boles, admiring the work of the Museum of Childhood Ireland, emailed us in November… Continue reading ‘Fintona’ Doll House 1840s
Heritage Week-Childhood: What Books Taught Me
Heritage and Education: Learning from our Heritage “Engaging with our shared heritage – in Ireland and across Europe – presents a rich source for learning, and an opportunity to rediscover and reconnect with the knowledge, traditions and skills of our ancestors.” Exploring the role of literature, children, the passing on of knowledge, learning, and the… Continue reading Heritage Week-Childhood: What Books Taught Me