Find out what this new temporary exhibition offers to schools and how to make it part of your visit
During the Great Famine, around a third of Ireland’s population depended almost entirely on the potato for food. When the crop failed, the impact was catastrophic. Approximately one million people died, and a further one million emigrated. Despite widespread hunger, large quantities of food continued to be exported, mainly to Great Britain, and government relief efforts were widely inadequate. Amidst this injustice and inequality, there were also countless acts of resilience, care and sibling solidarity, themes that sit at the heart of Under the Hawthorn Tree and are explored throughout the exhibition.
Designed with and for children, this exhibition blends storytelling, hands‑on activities and sensory learning to support a wide range of learners. Developed in close collaboration with the author and guided by child‑centred museum practice, the exhibition is a well-aligned resource for schools engaging with the novel. For those who aren’t reading Under the Hawthorn Tree in class, the exhibition will enhance themes they are exploring, supporting thoughtful reflection on this pivotal period in history.
The exhibition is structured around a selection of key scenes from the novel and features historic objects integrated into illustrated scenes from the book, alongside interactives that allow visitors to experience some of the sights, sounds, smells, and difficult decisions the O’Driscolls encountered on their journey. The exhibition ends with a space to reflect beneath a beautiful hawthorn tree sculpture. In this space pupils can read a range of books that explore similar themes from other parts of the world.
A visit supports learning across the curriculum by giving pupils opportunities to engage intellectually, emotionally and creatively. Pupils can see rarely displayed museum objects and follow the story through detailed illustrations and child‑friendly text. They can explore spaces designed for tactile discovery and active participation, and become immersed in a multi‑sensory environment that uses audio, smells and music to bring the past to life. Through these activities, they will think critically, develop empathy and build a deeper understanding of the human experiences of the Great Famine.
Visit our Learn page to find out more about our school programmes. Complete the online booking form to register your interest in a workshop or a self-guided visit, selecting Under the Hawthorn Tree as an additional activity. We will get in touch to process your booking and provide an itinerary.
If you have an existing school booking, admission to Under the Hawthorn Tree can be included at no additional cost. Whether you’ve booked a workshop or a self-guided visit, please contact education@nationalmuseumsni.org to let us know you would like to add it to your itinerary, and we will help you plan your day.
We suggest allocating 30 minutes to explore the exhibition with one class. The layout allows for one class to be in the exhibition at a time. If you have enough adult supervision, we suggest splitting the class into smaller groups.
No, but please be aware that the exhibition will be open to the public at the same time, and that you need to leave time to get to your workshop and enjoy the authentic period buildings and beautiful natural setting of the Ulster American Folk Park.
Yes. Entry to Under the Hawthorn Tree is included in the cost of your school visit, but we need to know in advance that you intend to visit, to ensure capacity.
The exhibition is designed to be accessible to a wide audience including children aged 7-12, Key Stage 2 school groups and families.
No, the exhibition has been designed as a self-led experience but we are working on additional resources for school groups.
