Exhibition: Modern Political Collections
An exhibition highlighting material from our Modern Political Collections is now on display on the first floor of the McClay Library until 22nd June 2026.
Modern Political Collections was established in August 2023 to catalogue and preserve three major collections of papers—those of Professor Monica McWilliams, Lord John Alderdice, and Lord David Trimble. These papers have been generously donated to us by Professor McWilliams, Lord Alderdice, and the Trimble family. By cataloguing and preserving the papers of leading political figures involved in the Northern Ireland peace process, we can ensure access for researchers for many decades to come.
This exhibition features a selection of items from MS 86 David Trimble Collection, MS 86 Monica McWilliams Collection, MS 88 John Alderdice Collection, and the Andersonstown News, deposited as part of the Corr Collections.
These collections have recently been opened for consultation at Special Collections. If you are interested in accessing any items in these collections, please contact us to arrange an appointment.
Trimble Collection Boxes 1–12
This collection is a donation of personal papers from the late Lord David Trimble, former First Minister, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and Nobel Peace Prize Winner (1998). These papers have been donated to Special Collections by the Trimble family.
Offering a unique insight into Lord Trimble’s political career during 1995–1998, the collection includes a diverse range of documents from the Multi-Party Talks that culminated in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement 1998. Private correspondence in Box 12, addressed to Lord Trimble, reflects a wide cross-section of opinion on the Peace Process.
A full listing of the Trimble Collection can be found on the Special Collections webpages.
Alderdice Photograph Collection
These photographs and albums are the first section of the Alderdice Collection (MS 88) that has been made available. The collection is a donation of personal papers from Lord John Alderdice, former Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly and leader of the Alliance Party Northern Ireland.
The Alderdice Photograph Collection features photographs that provide insight into Lord John Alderdice’s political career in the Alliance Party, his appointment as Speaker of the Northern Irish Assembly, his work with Liberal International and the European Liberal Democrats, and his involvement in conflict resolution and international human rights.
A full listing of the Alderdice Photograph Collection can be found on the Special Collections webpages.
McWilliams Collection Part 1
This collection is the first donation of personal papers from Monica McWilliams, Emeritus Professor in the Transitional Justice Institute at Ulster University, co-founder of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, and human rights defender.
The McWilliams Collection Part 1 offers unique insight into the Northern Ireland Peace Process, charting Professor McWilliams’ participation in the Multi-Party Talks and negotiation of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement 1998. The collection includes records on all three strands of the talks and materials relating to the process of implementation of the Agreement.
A full listing of the McWilliams Collection Part 1can be found on the Special Collections webpages.
Andersonstown News
The 29 November 1973 issue of the Andersonstown News on display includes an open letter from Dolours and Marian Price to their family from prison, following their conviction for their involvement in the 1973 Old Bailey bombing by the IRA.
A selection of volumes of the Andersonstown News is available for consultation upon request.