2024 Museum exhibition celebrating 30 years
This year we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the formation of Lismore Historical Society, Comann Eachdraidh Lios Mòr
The Society was formed in 1994 with the help of Beathag Morrison of Comann na Gaidhlig. It was founded by the late Donald Black, the late Margaret MacDonald and Cathy Carmichael who became chairman, secretary and treasurer respectively..They held a public meeting at which nine others joined them..
The teacher’s house became vacant and, after negotiations with the former Strathclyde Regional Council, Comann Eachdraidh Lios Mòr was established in the schoolhouse at Achnacroish in 1995.
The work then started with strong support from islanders and others. Many historic photographs and artefacts were collected, traditional ceilidhs were revived, Gaelic weekends were initiated. The archive grew year by year with documents and objects donated by the islanders and by people from much further afield whose ancestors came from Lismore. Books and wall maps were produced, and a well-stocked Gaelic library is now in existence.
Taigh Iseabal Dhaibh
The next stage of the project was completed in 2002 with the restoration of Taigh Iseabal Dhaibh under the excellent organisational skills of Tony Perkins, the new project manager. Tony coordinated all the previous efforts of Comann Eachdraidh Lios Mòr and secured funding enough to restore the cottage. In 2003 the cottage won the Tourist Board Award for best place to visit.
In March 2007 the present building was completed. As well as a superb museum room, it incorporates a shop (selling many local products), a café and, of course, the Gaelic library.
Thirty years later we have a thriving Centre hosting visitors from all over the globe. Our heartfelt thanks must go to those early pioneers whose courage and vision led to a vibrant and exciting Centre for the island and its history.
And the children are play a large part as they are the future.
