Connect and Visit
The Heritage Exhibit
As part of the 2025/2026 Heritage Project, we created a permanent Heritage Exhibit. This exhibit features display boards documenting the key parts of our 169-year history. When visiting the exhibit, you can access a full audio tour, which features narrations of each of the displays. These have been kindly done by our Heritage Committee.
Our permanent Heritage Exhibit is housed within the Community Hub. Visits can be arranged by contacting Lisa Dunn via email (lisa@ymca-ireland.net) or phone (02871301662). Please note that the exhibit is not accessible at all times due to other user groups in the building, but we will endeavour to accommodate your visit!
The Archive
If you would like to dive deeper into our history, we invite you to explore our physical and digital archives, which are available to view on site at the YMCA. The archives contain over 900 records, including books, meeting minutes, photos and more. Visits can be arranged by contacting Lisa Dunn via email (lisa@ymca-ireland.net) or phone (02871301662). Please note that the archive is not accessible at all times due to other user groups in the building, but we will endeavour to accommodate your visit!
Get In Touch
If you have any questions or want to reach out, you can email us at: heritage.lderry@ymca-ireland.net
Please note: The heritage project has finished for now, but we will still check the inbox from time to time. We might be a little slow to get back to you, but we’d still love to hear from you!
Podcast
As Londonderry YMCA celebrates 40 years at our Drumahoe site and looks ahead to our 170th anniversary, we’re bringing our history to life. Join Project Coordinator Catherine and Archivist Hannah as we sit down with the people who have walked our halls—from the legends of the Rugby and Drama clubs to the staff and young people shaping our future today.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this series is a living archive of the memories, laughter, and connections that have defined the YMCA over the last four decades.
Listen to our podcast trailer
Archive Treasures
1871 Register of Names
This book is a register of names from 1871. It was rewritten from 1856 and shows the names of the first members of Londonderry YMCA.
Boots
The story of “The Boots” was unknown until this project. We have discovered that they were a trophy for matches between the Londonderry YMCA Rugby Team and City of Derry Rugby Team (CDRFC). The boots belonged to Stan Huey (CDRFC) and were mounted on the plaque by Eddie Nutter (YMCA).
Spade
This spade is from the cutting of the sod ceremony in August 1983. The sod was cut by Mr J Saulters, Assistant Secretary, Department of Education.
Palestine Diary- Willie Lamrock 1998
A report in the form of a diary of the YMCA Ireland trip to Palestine in 1998.
Ladies Class YMCA Gymnasium 1894-5
A framed photo of a woman’s gymnastics class in 1894.
Letter to Miss Lamberton 20/07/1945
A letter to Miss Lamberton from A.G Duncan, National Council of YMCA Ireland, regarding Margarine, in reference to the YMCA Canteen in Eglinton. Miss Lamberton donated the fireplace in our main building.
Palestine Banner
A banner from the East Jerusalem YMCA.
Brochure from the opening of the building
The Official Brochure to Commemorate the opening of the new headquarters and grounds on 22nd of June 1985.
Rugby Top
A Rugby Top that was donated by the Army when the new rugby team started.
Walter Wray Memorial Cup
In honour of Walter Wray, the former YMCA President. The trophy was donated by his son Alan and was to promote good relations between Derry City and the Londonderry YMCA teams.
Drama Brochure
A brochure from the YMCA Players Drama Group, A Night of Crack with A Touch of Scotland performance in 1996.A night of music, comedy and dance, 1999
A recording of a Drama Group production in 1999.
Infinity Disco Flyer
A flyer for Infinity VIII Disco on Friday, the 7th of April 1997.
Londonderry YMCA Heritage is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future © 2026 by Londonderry YMCA is licensed under CC BY 4.0
