history

Step back in time as you enter through the gates of Clifton Street Cemetery, opened by the Belfast Charitable Society in 1797 which catered to all of the citizens of Belfast.

Join the Belfast Charitable Society on Wednesday 20th January 2021 at 7.30pm as it launches it’s a new Foundation to raise awareness of the life and legacy of one of our city’s most important, yet least recognised, abolitionists, philanthropists and social reformers- Mary Ann McCracken.

This Halloween hear about the Darker Side of Clifton Street Cemetery through our special virtual talk series.

From Mayo to Belfast - Harper Hugh Higgins's story with Laoise Kelly

Due to the current pandemic, we have pushed the main celebrations of Mary Ann 250 until next year. However to mark this significant anniversary we are hosting a special online event this July, facilitated by our knowledgeable staff and volunteers. This event is free, but places are limited so please register using the link below.

Join us for a range of online workshops & talks. It's an opportunity to meet others, share knowledge and learn skills that can support the development of heritage work in rural communities.

Join us on Sunday 1st September 2024 for a free event celebrating 250 years of Clifton House. This event showcases and celebrates heritage skills, local crafts, live music, food and a chance to share your memories of north Belfast through our history harvest, part of the Great Place North Belfast project.

This seminar will explore how social sciences, humanities and arts can help reveal the experience of old age.

This month, we are offering you the chance to book our next three talks with one ticket purchase. This ticket will give you full access to our online events on the 14th, 21st and 28th August at 1pm. Bundle ticket must be purchased before 11am on the 14th August.

Due to the current pandemic, we have pushed the main celebrations of Mary Ann 250 until next year. However to mark this significant anniversary we are hosting a free online talk, facilitated by our knowledgeable staff and volunteers.

Experience Mary Ann McCracken’s Belfast, as you walk in the footsteps of this remarkable abolitionist, philanthropist and social reformer. Mary Ann McCracken, who was born over 250 years ago, is intrinsically linked to the city of Belfast.

This month (June), Clifton House will be moving their unique Friday tours online, allowing you to find out more about life in the Poor House, or the stories surrounding some of those buried in Clifton Graveyard. Every week will be a different topic.

This event to mark 'Slavery 400' will look at Belfast and its ties to slavery- from Plantation owners, to West Indian Merchants and the abolitionist movement in the town.

The history of Belfast begins at Clifton House, and throughout August, it will open its doors for daily tours (Monday - Friday) at 3pm. Group bookings are available.

Every Friday afternoon at 1pm, Clifton House will be moving their unique tours online, allowing you to find out more about life in the Poor House, or the stories surrounding some of those buried in Clifton Graveyard. Every week will be a different topic. This week focuses on the Poor House itself.

What did it mean to be radical and dissenting in eighteenth-century Belfast? Belfast’s culture of religious and political dissent encouraged female participation, but not always on equal terms. Join us at Clifton House, the home of Belfast’s oldest charity, where Dr Catriona Kennedy will discuss how radical women like Mary Ann McCracken and Martha McTier’s charitable work allowed them to participate in, and influence, Belfast’s radical public sphere.