CASTLETOWN, OMAGH, COUNTY TYRONE BT78 5QY, NORTHERN IRELAND, TEL +44 (0)28 8224 3292
Situated beside the Ulster-American Folk Park, in an attractive rural area, the 38 bed Residential Centre is ideal for use by schools travelling from a distance, who wish to pursue a series of educational activities and workshops in the Folk Park.
Residential programmes lasting between 2 and 5 days can be drawn up to suit your specific requirements. These may be chosen from the workshops and activities offered in our daily schools programme and/or from the special programmes listed below. A sample residential programme based on our daily programme is available from the Education Department. (Tel. 028 8225 6320)
EXTENDED PROGRAMMES FOR RESIDENTS
AUTUMN TERM
FOODWAYS
[Secondary Level]
Working in small groups pupils carry out traditional food-related tasks in 19th century Ulster and America including open-hearth cookery, churning, salting and smoking food, apple buttermaking etc.
FAMINE
[Lower Secondary Level]
Examine the impact of the Famine on rural Irish society, relief measures and emigration. Pupils follow the emigrants on board ship to New York and undertake a variety of related practical activities, such as cooking Indian meal and Soyers soup, printing posters, taking part in a public works scheme, inspecting shipboard conditions etc. Suitable for those pupils who appreciate a practical approach to history.
HALLOWE'EN HARVEST
[Upper Primary Level]
Based around the ever-popular themes of Halloween and harvest in Ulster and America, this programme includes an exciting Halloween tour, and extended participation in activities such as Halloween cookery, harvesting, mask-making, storytelling and barn dancing.
THE NOVEMBER HIRING FAIR
[Upper Primary Level]
For many young people the hiring fair was their first real introduction to the world of work, as well as being an enjoyable day out. Pupils participate in the hiring fair and experience the life of a hired hand for a day. Apprenticeships are also included in this programme.
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
[Upper Primary Level]Join us as we prepare for Christmas in Ulster and America. Activities include cookery, decorations, doll and toy making etc. Pupils have the opportunity to see a mummers' play and produce their own in the authentic surroundings of the Park.
SPRING TERM
FLIGHT FROM FAMINE
[Year 7 only]
The year 1845 saw the arrival in Ireland of the dreaded potato blight, which destroyed the staple food of nearly half of the Irish population. It eventually contributed to the deaths of about one million people and the emigration of another million between 1845 and 1850.
THREADS OF THE PAST
[Secondary Level]
Focusing on traditional 19th century needlework and textile crafts in Ulster and America, pupils are taught skills such as spinning, weaving and dyeing, Ulster and American patchwork, rag rugs, sampler work etc.
SUMMER TERM
THE EMIGRANT'S FAREWELL
[Year 7]
The living wake was the traditional farewell party for 19th century emigrants as they prepared to leave for America. Pupils prepare for the event by cooking, making traditional gifts and rehearsing for the re-enactment of the wake and departure scenes at the end of their visit.
"TILL DEATH DO US PART"
[Year 7]
Many of the colourful customs associated with marriage in the 19th century have long since died out. In this programme pupils assist with the marriage preparations and re-enact the traditional customs associated with this event. Choose an Ulster or an American wedding. Why not bring your 21st century camera to record the event?
Evening Activities
ABOUT THE RESIDENTIAL CENTRE
Bookings for the Residential Centre are administered by the Western Education and Library Board,
Tel: (028) 8224 0918 or (028) 8224 3292 ext. 350
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