UNTOLD: Stories of the Irish in the British Army is a major new museum project that will uncover the 350-year history of Irish soldiers and their families in the British Army. It will unite seven separate regimental collections into one modern museum across two sites in Belfast and Enniskillen.

The project aims to present this shared, all-island heritage in an inclusive and engaging way, connecting past events with contemporary communities. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, UNTOLD will open its first new galleries at 28 Bedford Street, Belfast, a listed building and former linen warehouse.

This talk will explore how UNTOLD is working with communities to shape the new museum. It will outline the project’s co-design approach and the challenges and opportunities this presents. Particular attention will be given to the ethical dimensions of collaboration around complex and contested histories, and to how participatory methods can foster trust and inclusivity.

The session will highlight emerging learning from UNTOLD’s community engagement and the ways in which it is shaping both the process itself and the future museum experience.

Annie McAleer is Heritage Engagement Officer at UNTOLD: Stories of the Irish in the British Army. She is responsible for the museum’s engagement programme and is currently facilitating the co-design of UNTOLD with community stakeholder groups.