Hargey marks 30th anniversary of Historic Environment Record
Date published:
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has marked the 30th anniversary of the Historic Environment Record at a celebration event in Belfast.
The Record, which was initially launched as the Monuments and Buildings Record in October 1992, holds over a million archive items relating to over 45,000 local heritage sites.
The resource contains maps, drawings, photographs and written records and is managed and made publicly accessible by Department for Communities’ staff.
Speaking at the celebration event in a former linen mill in Belfast, Minister Hargey said: “Venues such as these show the contribution our built heritage provides and the importance of maintaining historical links to them.
“The Historic Environment Record is a fantastic public resource that not only helps promote our heritage and supports development and sustainable reuse.
“The record is the cumulation of over 100 years of research and survey.”
As part of the 30th anniversary celebration a range of free events was available to the public including displays and guided tours of key listed buildings in the local area. A temporary exhibition is also touring local libraries promoting the record and its access to the public.
Minister Hargey continued, “The Record provides a wealth of information on archaeological sites and monuments and historic buildings and landscapes which provide an opportunity for people to engage with this unique resource.
“I welcome the moves to further promote the Record and would encourage everyone to explore this fascination collection.”
Notes to editors:
- HERoNI is open to the public from its main archive in the Klondyke Building, Cromac Avenue, Gasworks Estate, Belfast. Appointments can be arranged by emailing HERoNI@communities-ni.gov.uk
- Further information on HERoNI is available here: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/historic-environment-record-northern-ireland
- Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on email Press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk
- Follow us on Twitter @CommunitiesNI
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.