Over one million visitors to the 10-day Festival on Washington’s National Mall are learning about the history of archaeology in Northern Ireland. Mabeline Gormley and Declan Hurl are explaining how traditional techniques are used to preserve and maintain castles, churches and ancient monuments.
Arts and Culture Minister, Edwin Poots, MLA, who visited the Festival said: “Some of the skills and techniques on display in Washington are fascinating. Northern Ireland has a rich history and heritage, something which the visitors to the Festival are intrigued by. Many American’s have ancestry leading back to Northern Ireland and it is wonderful to help them trace their roots here on the National Mall.”
A stonemason is constructing a stone wall, demonstrating the skills used to create arches and explaining the history behind historical crosses and standing stones. Marine archaeologists are simulating a replica dig, allowing children to take part and practice the modern methods used in this specialism, while Billy Sterling from the National Trust has brought a 10ft section of the old Carrick-a-rede rope bridge to the Festival as a way of introducing the North Antrim Coast and environmental preservation to the visitors.
Genealogists are using databases and internet technology to conduct preliminary research on family history and Americans who believe they have Irish ancestry can explore how to trace their roots and connections to Northern Ireland.
Around 160 people from Northern Ireland are participating in the Festival from 27 June – 8 July which aims to tell American visitors about Northern Ireland’s contemporary culture.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The 2007 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will feature three programmes. In addition to "Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian," other programs are "Mekong River: Connecting Cultures" and "The Roots of Virginia Culture."
The Folklife Festival, inaugurated in 1967, honours people from across the United States and around the world. With about 1million visitors each year, the Festival unites presenters and performers in the nation's capital to celebrate the diversity of cultural traditions. It is produced by the Smithsonian's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
The Festival's Web site is http://www.folklife.si.edu. The Festival is co-sponsored by the National Park Service.
2. For a full list of those participating in both the Rediscover Northern Ireland programme and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, please go to www.rediscoverni.com
3. All media enquiries to Jill Heron at DCAL Press Office on 028 90 258917 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk
