At the Crossroads: The Campaign for Civil Rights in Northern Ireland

The importance of the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland cannot be overstated. The impact it had on future events makes it one of the most significant aspects of our recent history. The collections at The Linen Hall have a critical role to play in undertanding Northern Ireland’s recent past, and crucial to this is the material held on civil rights.

Inspired by the civil rights leaders in the United States and their example of peaceful, non-violent protest, civil rights protesters took to the streets full of ideals, hoping to end prejudice, bigotry and discrimination in Northern Ireland and to create a fair, just, and non-sectarian society.

Driven by community engagement with our unique archives, At the Crossroads: The Campaign for Civil Rights in Northern Ireland charts this ground-breaking movement for social change and trailblazing grassroots activism, and asks us to reflect on a truly pivotal moment in our history.

The exhibition is located in the Vertical Gallery and in the glass cabinets throughout the library and is FREE to attend.

This event is part of At the Crossroads: The Campaign for Civil Rights in Northern Ireland, a project developed by The Linen Hall and which runs at The Linen Hall from 18 March to 25 April. This project is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and has also received financial support from the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council which aims to promote a pluralist society characterised by equity, respect for diversity and recognition of interdependence. The views expressed in the project do not necessarily reflect those of the Community Relations Council.

Civil rights photographs courtesy of the Trustees of the Buzz Logan Photographic Archive/The Linen Hall.