5th June 2000

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The University of Ulster has announced it is to establish a new Cultural Heritage Centre at Magee College in Londonderry/Derry.

The Centre, which will study all aspects of heritage-historical, social, political and environmental - draws together internationally recognised UU academics in History and Environmental Studies.

One of the Centre’s co-directors is historian Professor Keith Jeffery:

"Cultural Heritage has all sorts of dimensions, from language, religion and traditional activities (such as parades) right through to heritage centres and cultural tourism.

"Part of the Centre's task will be to relate the pure academic work going on in the university with the wider public and community needs."

Among the projects being worked on is one which will look at the links between Ulster and Scotland, particularly through the language of the sixteenth and seventieth century. Dr Billy Kelly will lead that research:

"A lot of what happened then informs our lives today. We only have to look a matter of yards from the campus to see names like Glasgow Terrace, a relic from the Scottish shipyard workers in the city," he said.

Another project, led by the co-directors of the Centre, geographer Professor Brian Graham and Professor Jeffery, will look at pilgrimages, both very ancient religious ones, such as that centered on Santiago de Compostella in Spain, and more recent 20th-century journeys to First World War battlefields, such as the Somme.

Dr Billy Kelly, the Centre's Research Officer has said that the centre cannot solve the issues which have arisen out of differences in cultural perspectives:

"What it can do is inform the debate and provide a context in which a discussion of differences, such as those we see each summer, can take place. It is also important to remember that cultural heritage extends beyond issues of conflict.

Our heritage is an important part of the tourist industry at present and consequently plays a major role in the economy."

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk