At this year’s Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services, together with the Friends of Ballycastle Museum, were delighted to announce the launch of a new book showcasing 30 treasures from the Ballycastle Museum collection. 30 Ballycastle Treasures was written by members of the Friends of Ballycastle Museum, a volunteer group which helps to open the museum every year.

The book highlights 30 different objects from the Ballycastle collection, many of which are often in storage rather than on display, and provides fascinating stories that link to the history of the town. The treasures range from stone age artefacts and Victorian antiquarians to the Irish Home Industries Workshop and the first Feis na nGleann.

On behalf of the Friends of Ballycastle Museum, editor of the volume Aidan McMichael, said “The Friends of Ballycastle Museum are delighted with the launch of this beautiful new book which showcases and celebrates treasures representing our local district. We have even included our greatest treasure, the museum building itself, which is a great historical asset. The book is a wonderful resource packed with photographs and stories illustrating the rich local history of times gone by. Thanks to all the museum volunteers who helped document and illustrate each of the treasures. The Friends of Ballycastle Museum are, as always, indebted to Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services for their support, encouragement and facilitation of this project”.

The Mayor of the Causeway Coast and Glens, Cllr Stephen Callaghan Deputy Mayor Margaret Anne McKillop, council staff, contributors, members of the Friends of Ballycastle Museum, and Colin Slack from Colin Slack Graphic & Web Design.

As a group of volunteers, the Friends of Ballycastle Museum provide invaluable service helping to promote and open Ballycastle Museum. With this book, they also demonstrate the breadth of their knowledge and showcase the benefits to Museum Services of working with local groups to explore social history. It is a true example of local groups bringing local history to life.

The book is available to purchase directly from the Friends of Ballycastle Museum. Please send all queries to friendsofballycastlemuseum@gmail.com.  All proceeds raised will go to support the work of the Friends.