The ‘quiet heroes’ of 1916 to get their dues

The drafting and printing of the Proclamation of Independence, along with violence outside Dublin and the ‘quiet heroes’ of the Rising, are among aspects of Easter 1916 to be marked in a major centenary exhibition at the National Museum next year.

It is planned to dedicate a gallery within the museum’s Collins Barracks in Dublin to the Rising, with a special exhibition to open at the end of February next year.

The background to the Rising will also be examined and highlighted, including the conflicts between the military council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood which secretly planned it over two years, and the more moderate members of the Irish Volunteers.

However, a thematic overview of the proposals show that there will be a critical examination of the short-lived rebellion, including “the tactical approach (or lack thereof) of the leaders”.

It is proposed to look at the various forms of propaganda that were disseminated but also the actual nature of the fighting, as well as the civilian experience, rampant city centre looting and medical assistance provided.

The museum plans to highlight as many of the artefacts and images from its Easter Week collection, and it has earmarked the 428 sq m Riding School building at Collins Barracks for their display.

Almost a year ahead of its intended opening date, the National Museum has issued a tender for the design and project management of the exhibition.

It is expected to include interactive elements like a searchable database of the collection with recently-digitised images of items such as prison and internment camp autograph books, last letters by those executed and the roll of honour of 1916 participants.

“The exhibition would also provide a welcome opportunity to examine the Proclamation of Independence in all its aspects, from drafting and editing to the process of printing and the resulting text idiosyncrasies,” says the tender document.

It suggests other themes that could be examined include the rising at Enniscorthy in Co Wexford, Oranmore, in Co Galway, and Ashbourne in Co Meath, the few places where fighting occurred outside Dublin.

The human stories of ‘quiet heroes’, and unusual artefacts, flags, and uniforms, and previous commemorations of the Rising, may also be included in the exhibition.

The last hours of the Rising and the events surrounding the surrender on Saturday, April 29, 1916, may also be examined closely through some of the museum collection’s most poignant items.

They include the surrender documents written by Pádraig Pearse, court martial statements made by Rising leaders, and the last letters of those who were executed.

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