There were a number of factors that contributed to the conflict in Derry during the 1970s and 1980s, as well as throughout Northern Ireland during the period known as the Troubles. Some of the main contributing factors include:

1. Historical Tensions: There have been deep-seated historical tensions between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland dating back to the 17th century, when Protestant settlers from England and Scotland were brought in by the British Crown to settle the region. This has led to a long-standing sense of mistrust and animosity between the two communities.
2. Issues of National Identity: Many Catholics in Northern Ireland identify as Irish and want a united Ireland, while many Protestants identify as British and want to remain part of the United Kingdom. This disagreement over the national identity of Northern Ireland was a major contributor to the conflict.
3. Economic and Social Disparities: There were significant economic and social disparities between Catholic and Protestant communities in Derry and throughout Northern Ireland. Catholics were disproportionately represented in the lower socio-economic classes, and were more likely to be unemployed and living in poverty. These disparities contributed to feelings of alienation and resentment among Catholic communities.
4. Political Discrimination: Unionist-controlled government in Northern Ireland historically discriminate against Catholics in employment, voting rights and housing opportunities. This systematic discrimination added fuel to the Catholic desire for Civil rights and equality.
5. The Rise Of The Civil Rights Movement: During the 1960s, a civil rights movement emerged in Northern Ireland, which sought to address the political and social discrimination faced by Catholics. The movement was met with resistance by the unionist government and violent response by loyalist paramilitaries. This sparked a series of street protests and civil unrest, particularly in Derry.
6. The British Military Presence: The deployment of British soldiers in Northern Ireland, including in Derry, was often seen as an occupation by the Catholic community. This increased resentment against the military made them targets by nationalist resistance groups.

It’s worth noting that these factors, as well as others, often interacted and reinforced each other, making it difficult to isolate any one cause for the conflict. The Troubles was a complex, multilayered and multi-causal conflict, and its resolution remains a work in progress.

The Museum of Free Derry, which is located in the Bogside area of Derry, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the civil rights movement and the events of the Troubles in Derry. It has played a significant role in the process of peace and conflict resolution in Derry and wider Northern Ireland by providing a space for people to learn about and reflect on the past, and by helping to build understanding and reconciliation between different communities.

One of the main roles of the Museum of Free Derry is to give voice to the communities who suffered the most in the conflict and make sure that their stories are included in the narrative of the Troubles. The museum provides a space where visitors can learn about the experiences of the Catholic community during the civil rights movement and the Troubles, including the events of Bloody Sunday, which has been a major source of tension between the Catholic community and the British military.

Additionally, the Museum of Free Derry plays an important role in educating young people about the past in a way that promotes understanding, reflection, and critical thinking. The museum works with schools and youth groups to deliver programs that help young people learn about the history of Derry, and encourages them to think about how that history relates to the present and the future. By educating young people in a way that promotes mutual understanding, the Museum of Free Derry helps to build the foundation for lasting peace.

The Museum of Free Derry also contributes to community development, providing a space for dialogue, community activities and initiatives. Through this, the museum help to promote healing, reconciliation and self-empowerment.

By providing a space for reflection, education, and community-building, the Museum of Free Derry plays an important role in the ongoing process of peace and conflict resolution in Derry and Northern Ireland. It becomes a model of how cultural institutions can facilitate peace building and social transformation.

The Siege Museum in Derry, also known as the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, is a museum that tells the story of the 1689 Siege of Derry. The siege, which lasted for 105 days, was a significant event in the history of Derry and of Northern Ireland as a whole.

In the late 17th century, King James II of England, who was Catholic, sought to assert greater control over the Protestant-dominated regions of Britain and Ireland. In 1688, he was overthrown in a revolution led by William of Orange, a Protestant. In response, James II landed in Ireland with an army, and sought to reclaim the throne.

Derry was a key strategic location and the Protestant citizens of Derry, along with Scottish Protestant soldiers, refused to open the gates and let James II’s army in. The city was besieged, with the Protestant defenders inside the walls facing off against the Catholic Jacobite army outside. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the defenders of Derry were able to hold off the Jacobite army for 105 days, until the arrival of a relief ship with supplies allowed them to hold out until the siege was lifted.

The Siege of Derry is seen as a significant event in the history of Derry, as well as in the history of Northern Ireland as a whole. It is often celebrated as a Protestant victory and a moment of resistance against Catholic oppression. The Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, now the Siege Museum, was built in the late 19th century to commemorate the siege and the defenders who held off the Jacobite army. The museum contains artifacts, paintings, and other exhibits that relate to the Siege of Derry, as well as providing information on the history of the Apprentice Boys of Derry organization, a Protestant fraternal organization that was formed in 1814 to commemorate the defenders of the city during the siege.

It’s worth noting that the Siege of Derry is a controversial topic, as it has a different meaning for different communities and perspectives. To some it is a symbol of resistance and of the Protestant identity, for others it represents a history of discrimination and division. The Siege Museum also reflect this division, being criticized for not acknowledging the Catholic narrative and the loss of lives and suffering during the siege.

The main Relief of Derry parade is typically held on the first Saturday in August, and marks the anniversary of the lifting of the siege on the city. The parade typically starts at the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, which is also known as the Siege Museum, and makes its way through the city center. Along the way, the parade is joined by a number of other marching bands, as well as by members of the Apprentice Boys and other loyal order organizations.

In addition to the main parade in August, there are also other parades and commemorations held throughout the year by the Apprentice Boys of Derry, such as the Last Saturday Demonstrations, which is the last Saturday of August and December, the closure parades that take place on the Sunday after the main parade and a number of smaller parades. The exact dates and locations for these parades can vary from year to year, and can be found on the Apprentice Boys of Derry website or in local newspapers.

It’s worth noting that the Apprentice Boys parades, along with other parades held by other loyal orders, have been a source of tension and controversy in Northern Ireland, as they often pass through areas where they are not welcome and where they can be perceived as triumphalist or sectarian. Due to the sensitive nature of parading in Northern Ireland, it is important that everyone involved in the event works to ensure the right to peaceful expression of culture and tradition while also being mindful of the potential impact on local communities.