DONATIONS OF ARTEFACTS are being sought by Clare Museum to expand its current collection.
Greater representation of the lives of the people of Co Clare for future generations to enjoy is hoped to be achieved in the call-out.
Curator John Rattigan explained that items will be collected “that exist in or can be provenanced to Co Clare. We are particularly interested in items associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, but also items relating to the lives of women and local businesses from days gone by”.
Items from more recent decades are also required. “An ongoing survey of museum visitors has highlighted an interest in items from the 1950s to the turn of the century. This is a period many of our visitors remember and would like to tell stories about to their children or grandchildren on a visit,” he said.
Rattigan added, “Other items of interest including objects relating to childhood such as toys, games and school in times past would also be welcome, provided they are in good condition and have a story about their use that can be told with them”.
Clare Museum’s Collection Policy is designed to help the museum achieve its mission through focused collecting. It also recognises the collection as the museum’s greatest resource, underpinning exhibitions and educational activities. The museum is keen to be representative of local communities often overlooked by museums, including objects relating to the everyday lives of women, the Traveller community, immigrants and people with a disability.
The Collection Policy is available on the museum’s website for the consultation of anyone interested in donating an item. For further information, Museum Curator John Rattigan can be contacted at 065- 6823382 or at claremuseum@clarecoco.ie