Remembering community midwives at Mayo museum exhibition
VISIT a new temporary exhibition exploring the life of district midwife and nurse Mary Anne Fanning from 1880 to 1964 at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar.
Mary Anne worked as a district midwife and nurse in Co. Kerry and then in Garristown, Co Dublin, over the course of a 48-year career. Through Mary Anne’s story, this exhibition seeks to highlight and celebrate the often-unsung contributions of community midwives to maternity care in Ireland in the early 20th century.
Discover what life was like for a rural midwife through Mary Anne’s personal artefacts, family stories, audio recordings and community research, while enjoying poetry and artwork created in her memory.
Visitors are also invited to share their own recollections in the Midwives’ Memory Book.
TALK
Join Lisa McGeeney, registered nurse, midwife and public health nurse with an MA in Local History, for a special talk on the history of midwifery at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 17.
This talk examines how the professionalisation and development of nursing and midwifery in the 19th century was reflected in the poor-law unions between 1882 and 1922.
This is a free event, suitable for adults. Booking is required at BookingsCountryLife@museum.ie or telephone the bookings office on (094) 9031751 to book your place.
WOMEN OF THE THAR
See a new photographic exhibition about life in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, North West India, open now in the Courtyard Gallery (next to the museum café) until January 2025.
Photographer Karen Cox was commissioned to spend time documenting the lives of the women in the Thar Desert in India in September 2022.
The women’s daily challenges are many and the basic need for water dominates all else. Nothing is easy yet these women show incredible courage and resilience.
‘BEE DRESS’ (1994)
Discover ‘Bee Dress’ by Alice Maher this winter at the National Museum of Ireland in Turlough Park.
The museum is excited to exhibit ‘Bee Dress’, in association with the exhibition The Murmur of Bees.
‘Bee Dress’ is a small child or doll’s garment constructed from honeybees, wax, cotton and wire. It reflects on themes associated with feminism, mythology and childhood.
‘Bee Dress’ is on loan from National Museums Northern Ireland until early 2025.
THE MURMUR OF BEES
The Murmur of Bees continues this winter on Level D of the main exhibition galleries.
The exhibition looks at the fascinating world of Irish bees and their influence on our culture and environment.
A unique collection of insect material examines more than 100 different bee species in Ireland. A collection of folklife material explores why bees were so important throughout Irish history.
This exhibition celebrates the magic of Ireland’s bees, their vital role in nature, and the special bond they share with us.
OPENING HOURS
Admission to the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park House & Gardens is free. The exhibition galleries are open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday to Monday from 1 to 5 p.m.