The History Detectives

The history detectives began when three like-minded local historians came together to explore the rich history of the area they live in, Balloo and Killinchy. Leanna McCann, Moira Colcannon and Lesley Simpson discovered that comparatively little had been published about their area. They then set out to fill that gap with their own research. 

This exhibition follows their journey into the past and how they carried out their research. Maps, leases, wills, letters and photographs have been used to tell the stories and give voices to people who lived in Balloo and neighbouring townlands in past centuries. 

There are stories, many in their own words, about farmers, millers, publicans, shopkeepers, doctors, postmaster and Presbyterian ministers. The exhibition includes an array of artefacts, including loaned items from the Public Records Office NI and the National Museum NI.