Galgorm Collection has announced a £10,000 funding commitment to support the preservation and digitisation of the historic Moravian Church archives in Gracehill, helping to safeguard centuries of local history for future generations.
The five-year partnership will see the award-winning hospitality group contribute £2,000 annually towards the conservation of fragile historical records and the ongoing digitisation of the collection, ensuring valuable documents can continue to be accessed by researchers, historians and those exploring their family heritage.
Dating back to the 1740s, the archives contain hundreds of volumes, including ministers’ diaries, church minutes and financial records, offering a fascinating insight into the lives, traditions and development of the Moravian community in Ireland.
Located beside the championship golf course at Galgorm, part of Galgorm Collection, Gracehill holds a special significance for the hospitality group. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Moravian Church Settlements, the village represents an important chapter in Northern Ireland’s cultural and architectural history.
The funding reflects Galgorm Collection’s longstanding commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates, recognising the importance of protecting local heritage and ensuring its stories are preserved for generations to come.
Galgorm Collection
Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection, said: “Gracehill is right on our doorstep, and its remarkable history is something we should all be incredibly proud of. The village is an important part of our local identity, and its archives provide a fascinating connection to the people and communities who have shaped this area over hundreds of years.
“At Galgorm Collection, we believe that being part of a community also means taking responsibility for helping to protect what makes it special. Supporting the preservation of these records is a meaningful way for us to contribute to the future of Gracehill’s heritage, while ensuring its history remains accessible for generations to come.
“We’re delighted to support the dedicated individuals working to safeguard this collection and hope our commitment will help ensure these important records continue to be protected, studied and appreciated.”
The preservation project is focused on protecting the original historical documents, many of which require specialist conservation due to their age and fragile condition. An assessment of the collection identified more than £10,000 in immediate repair requirements, including specialist rebinding of damaged volumes.
Alongside this conservation work, the archive team is undertaking a careful digitisation programme, creating high-quality images of handwritten documents to allow researchers to explore the collection while reducing the need to handle the original records.
John Costley, who leads the digitisation work, said: “These archives are an extraordinary resource, documenting not only the history of the Moravian Church but also the lives of generations of people connected to Gracehill and the wider community.
“Our priority is to ensure the original records are properly protected while making their contents available to those who want to explore them. Digitisation is an important part of that process, allowing us to preserve the detail of these handwritten documents and reduce unnecessary handling of fragile books.
Jackie Neill added, “Support from Galgorm Collection will make a valuable contribution to this ongoing work, helping us safeguard the collection and ensure it remains a resource for researchers and future generations.”
The archive team continues to welcome enquiries from genealogists, historians and researchers both locally and internationally, with access to original and digitised materials carefully managed to protect the integrity of the collection.
Galgorm Collection’s support forms part of its wider community engagement programme, which includes charitable fundraising, educational partnerships, local sponsorships and initiatives that celebrate and protect the heritage of the communities in which it operates.
As one of Northern Ireland’s leading hospitality groups, Galgorm Collection remains committed to making a lasting positive contribution beyond its hotels, restaurants and golf experiences, supporting the people, places and organisations that make the region unique.
