Talk: Back over Old Ground by Michael Jackson

World War One researcher Michael Jackson discusses the cases of soldiers executed during the Great War. British soldiers were executed under the 1881 Army Act and 1911 Indian Army Act, for what were considered ‘battlefield offences’. Examples of these are cowardice or desertion which we now know may be influenced by the stress of battle. Michael looks at twenty-first century attitudes to a seldom discussed episode in history. He reviews the revisionism behind the 2006 Armed Forces Act which pardoned British soldiers executed for such battlefield offences. Using case studies, he poses the question, Was it modern thinking which powered the debate or the unfairness of the High Command in the Great War? Michael aims to create a lively discussion.

Talk: The Battle of Messines, Why it Still Matters Today by Philip Orr

Local historian, playwright and author Philip Orr explores the mixed military fortunes which Irish troops experienced whilst fighting together on the Western Front. Philip also examines how both in the wider world at war and here at home, massive political and economic changes were underway that would shape the twentieth century.

Talk: The Reformation in Ireland by Dr Henry Jefferies

As a Reformation scholar and author, Henry uses his talk to explore the responses in Ireland to the Reformation in the sixteenth century. He explores how the Reformation in Ireland was promoted by English royal policies, setting the Reformation in a wider British context, to offer an explanation as to why the Reformation failed in Ireland though it succeeded dramatically in England and Scotland.

Talk: Reformed Always to be Reformed, the Reformations then and now by Professor Johnston McMaster

Johnston is a Senior Research Writer with the Ethical and Shared Remembering Project. He discusses his recent publication which outlined the Reformation as a long lasting revolution in European history. Johnston discusses what ‘reformed theolog’ might look like in relation to other globalised religions.

Talk: Luther and his Legacy by Reverend Dr Martyn Cowan

Martyn is a lecturer in Historical Theology, Union Theological College, Belfast. His talk looks at the repercussions of the Wittenberg event of 31 October 1517. Loved by some, loathed by others, this talk provides an accessible introduction to the real Luther, who is without doubt one of the most important figures in religious history. Martyn will trace events that brought about Luther�s own personal reformation and explain how the ideas that sprang from it led to transformational events in Western history that have shaped not only our religious context but the wider culture in which we live today.

Talk: The Irish Contribution to the Great War in Belgium, Piet Chielens, In Flanders Fields Museum

Piet’s talk gives an overview of the part played by Irish regiments from the first month of the war. His focus is on the roles taken by the 16th (Irish) and 36th (Ulster) divisions in 1917 and of the Ulster Division in 1918, from the German Spring Offensive to the Final Advance in Flanders. Piet is joined by his colleague Annick Vandenbilcke.

Our popular FREE Halloween workshops will run from Saturday 28th October – Wednesday 1st November.

Spooky crafts will include: lanterns, trick or treat sticks, Autumn sun catchers and many more!

Arts and craft sessions will be from 10am-11am, 11.30-12.30 and 2pm-3pm! Free to attend but you must book a place!

Open Workshop with Piet Chielens and Annick Vandenbilcke, In Flanders Fields Museum

For those who have never been able to visit In Flanders Fields Museum or the graves of loved ones fallen in Flanders, this is an opportunity to learn more about what was happening at the time. This session will be of personal or professional significance to anyone with an interest in First World War history, a rare opportunity to quiz two inspirational experts on details of Flanders’ battles, to ask where more information can be found and to learn more about the important work of In Flanders Fields Museum.