Historical Collections Online
Search our Historical Collections Online, a sample of 10,000 artefacts from the National Museum of Ireland’s Historical, Military and Easter Week Collections, published as part of the Decade of Commemorations.
photograph / Rath Internment Camp, 1921
Two photographs. Rath Internment Camp, 1921. Mounted on one sheet. Taken by Colonel Joseph V. Lawless whilst interned there.
internment order / james Miller, Curragh, 1921
Detention order served on James Miller, Montrath for internment at Curragh, 11 April 1921. Printed form.
photograph / Annie Higgins
Mounted photograph of Miss Annie Higgins of Cumann na mBan. Served in General Post Office in the 1916 Rising, and took Patrick Pearse's last message to the North of Ireland.
button / Ulster Volunteer Force, 1915
Button, brass, of the Ulster Volunteer Force. In the centre under a crown is a shield bearing a right hand. Around, "Ulster Volunteer Force". No maker's name. Ulster Volunteers, c. 1915.
prison art / HMS Argenta, c. 1921
Macramé bag, made by Seán Corr while a prisoner on the "Argenta". Mitre shaped, with fringe at pointed end; of dull brown cord. Depth c.8" by c.5.5" wide. Probably 1921.
souvenir / Sinn Fein Rebellion Easter 1916
Wooden display frame containing a collection of different calibre bullets and cartridges associated with the 1916 Rising. 'Sinn Fein Rebellion Easter 1916' inscribed in the centre. Not glazed.
whistle / Dick McKee
Officer's whistle which was the property of Dick McKee. Used by him from 1914 to 1916. 'Patent'.
prison art / Republican, 1921
Ring made by a prisoner, Denis Hayes, I.R.A. Tipperary while in prison, 1921. Made of lead, with small brass eight petalled flower rivetted on.
sample / Thomas Clarke, Portland Prison, pre-1898
Sample of paper used by Thomas Clarke to write, with a piece of lead, his prison notes to John Daly and his fellow Fenian prisoners in Portland Prison. The methods adopted are described in 'Glimpses of an Irish Felon's Prison Life' by Thomas J. Clarke. Twelve sheets of 4 inch by 6 inch paper.
letter / Kathleen Clarke, July 1923
Holograph letter, handwritten on squared paper from Eamon de Valera to Mrs. Kathleen Clarke, 9 July 1923, regarding letters sent to him by her previously, and referring to public opinions of the time.
telegram / Thomas Clarke, Pentonville, 1898
Telegram from the Governor of Portland Prison to Albert Clarke, informing him of the release of his brother Thomas Clarke from Pentonville Prison after 15 and a half years of penal servitude, the following Thursday 29 September. Also informas him that Thomas wished him to meet him, and send...
autograph / Thomas Clarke, Moore Street, 1916
Portion of a room wall from a house in Moore Street showing the signature - "Thos. J. Clarke, 6th Day I.R." (6th day of the Irish Republic) written with the left hand because the right was wounded. The house was Plunkett's. Glazed and framed 10.75" x 10.75".
citizenship certificate / Thomas J. Clarke
Certificate admitting Thomas J. Clarke to the Citizenship of the United States of America, 2nd November, 1905. Certificate number 7405, Examined by the Department of Justice 1906. A typed note on the back from the American Consulate , Dublin, June 17th, 1921 - 'The person named in the certificate...
mask / Cathal Brugha
Death mask in plaster of Cathal Brugha, by Albert Power R.H.A. 1922.
book / The Golden Joy
Copy of 'The Golden Joy' by Thomas MacDonagh. Dublin, 1906.
convict cap / Thomas Ashe, 1917, Portland and Lewes
The prison cap worn by Thomas Ashe in Portland and Lewes Jail, 1917. Regulation pattern fawn felt cap, red six-pointed star in front and on black patch on left side "q102".
bust / Sean MacDiarmada
Plaster figure of Sean MacDiarmada, by Albert Power. Head and shoulders, with arms in a very poor condition. Undraped. Right arm held above head and with flame in palm of hand.
letter / Nellie Gifford Donnelly, 1919
Letter from Countess Markievicz to Nellie Gifford Donnelly, dated 4 September 1919, from Cork Jail.
note / Anglo-Irish Treaty, 1921
Arthur Griffith ms. message re Anglo-Irish Treaty 1921. Written for issue to the World Press immediately after signing the Treaty on 6 December 1921. It reads: "I have signed a Treaty of peace between Ireland and Great Britain. I believe that treaty will lay foundations of peace and friendship...