The main signature project of the Bloody Sunday Trust remains the Museum of Free Derry. The Museum of Free Derry opened in 2007 in order to tell the story of what happened in the city during the period 1968 – 1972, popularly known as ‘Free Derry’, and including the civil rights era, Battle of the Bogside, Internment, Bloody Sunday and Operation Motorman.

The civil rights movement in Ireland has its deepest roots in Derry. It was here on 5 October 1968 that the issue of civil rights in the north first came to the attention of the world when the police attacked a peaceful demonstration in Duke Street. It was here that the first no go area was declared in January 1969, when the defiant slogan ‘You Are Now Entering Free Derry’ appeared on a gable wall in the Bogside.

British and unionist politicians fumed at the existence of Free Derry. But internment had stiffened the community’s resolve. An anti-internment march was planned for 30 January 1972.

A year after Bloody Sunday saw the first commemoration march and rally held in Derry, organised by the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association. These annual marches were to continue for decades in pursuit of truth and justice.

School Visits & Translations

Learn more about our innovative NI Schools Outreach Programme - new shared visits to both Museum of Free Derry and The Siege Museum. 

The Bloody Sunday Trust's vision is to promote human rights, conflict transformation and understanding, and over the years we have organised and supported many memorable events highlighting these very subjects.

Through annual lectures, exhibitions, campaigns, debates and lively discussion, the Trust endeavours to inform, educate and inspire others locally, nationally and internationally.