Monaghan County Council, through its cultural partnership with Project Children, has announced a special autumn programme of events that will continue to celebrate the remarkable legacy of an initiative that transformed the lives of more than 23,000 young people from Northern Ireland.
Building on the success of the 50th anniversary commemorations and the launch of The Project Children Stories exhibition and permanent archive at Monaghan County Museum, the autumn programme will bring communities together through culture, storytelling, education and shared experiences. A key highlight of the programme will be the launch of a new Project Children book, capturing the stories, memories and enduring impact of an initiative that fostered friendship, understanding and reconciliation across generations and continents.
Speaking about the programme, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr Aidan Campbell said:
“Project Children is an extraordinary story of compassion, friendship and hope. Fifty years after it began, its legacy continues to inspire people across Ireland and the United States. Through our cultural partnership with Project Children, Monaghan County Council is proud to support this autumn programme, which will provide opportunities for people to reflect on the remarkable impact of the initiative and celebrate the lifelong connections it created.”
The programme will begin on Saturday 10th October with Community Day – A Place for Everyone at Monaghan Peace Campus. Provided by the Museum, Library Community and Foróige services in the building this special event is designed for all ages, the event will feature live music and dance, interactive exhibitions, community arts activities, virtual reality experiences, storytelling, theatre and heritage experiences. Highlights include a virtual reality tour of Rossmore Castle, Ulster-Scots music and dance performances, documentary screenings and a range of activities celebrating the diverse cultures and traditions that connect communities. A dedicated sensory space will be available for any who needs a little quiet time.
On Sunday 11th October, audiences will have the opportunity to attend a special screening of How to Defuse a Bomb at Iontas, Castleblayney. Presented in collaboration with Blayney Blades, the documentary explores themes of peacebuilding, reconciliation and the human stories behind conflict resolution.
The programme continues on Monday 12th October with a special welcome event for visiting guests from the United States alongside multiple performances of The Unfinished Broadside at Monaghan Peace Campus brought to you by a through a cross-border partnership with Monaghan County Museum and the Bready Ulster Scots.
The culmination of the programme takes place on Tuesday 13th October with a celebration of the Project Children legacy centred around the launch of a new Project Children publication. Bringing together former participants, host families, supporters and special guests, the event will reflect on 50 years of friendship, understanding and peacebuilding. The day will also include guided tours of The Project Children Stories exhibition, documentary screenings and a special NYPD Gaelic Football Club exhibition match in Clones.
Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Robert Burns, added:
“This autumn programme demonstrates how the legacy of Project Children continues to bring people together through shared stories, culture and community connections. The launch of the new Project Children book is a particularly important milestone, helping to preserve these experiences and ensuring they continue to inspire future generations. Through our cultural partnership with Project Children, we are proud to support initiatives that strengthen relationships and celebrate this remarkable legacy.”
Visitors are also encouraged to experience The Project Children Stories exhibition at Monaghan County Museum. Through personal memories, photographs, artefacts and recorded testimonies, the exhibition preserves and shares the stories of those who participated in the programme and the lasting legacy they have created.
Further details, timings and booking information for the autumn programme will be announced in the coming weeks and will be available through Monaghan County Council, Monaghan County Museum and Project Children channels and on Monaghan.ie