© Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum.

The Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum have launched a new virtual exhibition exploring the early history and foundation of Northern Ireland.

‘Planting a Parliament: Partition and the Formation of Northern Ireland, 1920–22’ examines the early history of Northern Ireland through objects, photographs and images from the museum’s collection.

The story of Lisburn, a thriving market town at the heart of the Lagan Valley, is set against the momentous events of 100 years ago, which led to the transformation of political, economic, civic and cultural life on the island of Ireland.

Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Nicholas Trimble, said:

‘The museum’s latest online exhibition examines the early history of Northern Ireland, through objects, photographs and images from its collection. It showcases the momentous events of 100 years ago and the story of Lisburn, a thriving market town at the heart of the Lagan Valley. These events led to transformation on the island of Ireland. I would encourage our residents to visit … and view it.’

Councillor Scott Carson, Chairman of the council’s Cross Party Centenary Working Group, said:

‘Our exhibitions would usually be on display in our museum but we have adapted to showcase our artefacts to the public online. The past is educational and it is important for our mental health that we all keep learning.’