Derry's DNA Museum: Dive Into History, Heroes, and Hidden Treasures!

Construction has begun on a new museum in Londonderry, called the DNA Museum, which stands for Derry-Londonderry on the North Atlantic. This multi-million pound project is set to open in Ebrington Square by spring 2027 and will feature six galleries, a discovery zone, and a genealogy service to help people learn about their family roots. The museum will explore the region’s maritime, cultural, and industrial history, highlighting important events and people from the area.

One of the museum’s main stories will be about Amelia Earhart, the famous aviator who landed in Londonderry in 1932 during her historic flight. The museum will also showcase the story of the Spanish Armada ship La Trinidad Valencera, which sank off the coast in 1588 and was discovered by local divers centuries later. Another key part of the museum will focus on Londonderry’s role in World War Two, including the surrender of German U-boats and the city’s naval base, which played a crucial part in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Margaret Edwards from the Derry City and Strabane District Council’s museum services said the museum has been a long time coming and is designed to reflect both the people and the place. She explained that each gallery will focus on a different aspect of the region’s heritage, from its location by the Foyle and the Atlantic to its history as a port and industrial center. The museum will also include exhibits about the civil rights movement and the area’s industrial past. The project is being funded by several organizations, including the government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Communities minister Gordon Lyons said the museum will become a vibrant hub for the community, celebrating local culture and encouraging creativity and innovation. He believes it will benefit not only Londonderry but also the wider north west and all of Northern Ireland.