Witnessing history

CHILDREN from Gardiner Street Primary School got a fantastic history lesson when they helped launch a new exhibition at GPO Witness History.

The exhibition throws a spotlight on the impact the War of Independence had on Ireland’s postal and communication systems.

Curated by Stephen Ferguson, Curator of An Post Museum and Archive, the exhibition launched earlier this month tells the story of the measures taken by each side to safeguard lines of communication, and the disruption caused to the Post Office and its services by the conflict.

“GPO Witness History Visitor Centre is a fitting setting for such an important exhibition on the role of the Post Office during the War of Independence,” said Niall O’Callaghan, Managing Director of Shannon Heritage.

“Since opening its doors nearly three years ago The GPO Witness History Visitor Centre has been very popular among families and tour groups and we are delighted to add this new element to the current exhibition, which includes key events that shaped the nation from early 1900’s through to present time.”

Welcoming the announcement of the new exhibition Aline FitzGerald, General Manager of GPO Witness History said: “As we continue through the decade of commemorations, we were keen to extend our visitor experience with a focus on the War of Independence which they would not experience elsewhere.

“This exhibition, brings to light interesting details on the impact to the postal and communications system during the time.”

GPO Witness History is located in the GPO building on O’Connell Street, which celebrated the bicentenary of its opening last year.

To book tickets visit www.gpowitnesshistory.ie.