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Ulster Folk Museum awarded the national Heritage Education Trust Sandford Award for the first time
The Sandford Awards focus on formal, curriculum-aligned, heritage learning programmes that take place in the historical setting or natural environment and use the history and collections or natural resources to engage, inform and inspire visitors.
We’re delighted to have secured, for the first time, a national heritage learning award for the Ulster Folk Museum's educational programme for schools.
The independently judged Sandford Award is the 'quality mark for heritage learning' and assesses education programmes at heritage sites, museums, archives and collections across the United Kingdom. Over 500 heritage sites and services have received the Sandford Award since the first awards were made in 1978 and this is the first time Ulster Folk Museum has been awarded the prestigious accolade.
The Sandford Awards, run by the Heritage Education Trust, focus on formal, curriculum-aligned, heritage learning programmes that take place in a historical setting or natural environment and use the history and collections or natural resources to engage, inform and inspire visitors. Recognition is also given to informal learning such as family programmes and self-guided provision.
Judges said the education programme at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, "rises to the challenge of immersing school pupils in the rich history of early 20th century Ulster."
"Its hands-on, engaging, educational activities facilitate effective learning and assist children’s understanding of what life was like for previous generations in Ulster. There is also an attention to detail in the properties, the publications and within the learning activities that warrants credit. The Education Programme at the Ulster Folk Museum is, therefore, fully deserving of a Sandford Award."
Our Education Officer, Laura Hutchinson, travelled to Hampton Court Palace in London in November, along with 42 other award recipients, to receive the award on behalf the museum Education team.
She said:
"I am so proud of the Education team at Ulster Folk Museum for delivering excellence to all our visiting and connected schools. I was delighted to collect the Sandford Award today in recognition of our team and all they do. The Heritage Education Trust do remarkable work in advocating for all our young learners, their teachers and those who deliver education and learning offerings."
Congratulations to all the 2023 award winners, you can view the full list here.
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