Launch of “Our Town Our Stories” Exhibition: New Research Unveiled at Carrickfergus Museum
Thursday 13 November 2025
A captivating new exhibition has opened at Carrickfergus Museum entitled ‘Vital Signs: Exploring the Life of Dr Eleanor Sproull and Health in Victorian Carrickfergus’.
Eleanor’s remarkable story has been uncovered for the first time through the ‘Our Town Our Stories’ community engagement project, a year-long heritage initiative delivered in partnership between Positive Carrickfergus and Carrickfergus Museum and funded by the Department for Foreign Affairs.
The project invites local participants to become co-researchers, discovering, investigating, and sharing lesser-known stories from Carrickfergus’ rich history. Through their work, new narratives and voices are being added to the town’s collective story.
Born in Scotch Quarter in 1867, Dr Eleanor Sproull was one of fifteen children who went on to defy the social expectations of her time. A trailblazer in medicine, public health, and women’s rights, Eleanor became one of the first female doctors of the Victorian era and later, a nun.
At a time when women faced significant barriers to higher education and professional careers, Eleanor’s determination and achievements were groundbreaking. She returned to her hometown several times to speak publicly in support of women’s suffrage, joining the growing movement for equality in late 19th century Ireland.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said:
“Over the course of this project, a group of local people came together and decided to focus their research on a Victorian woman who, until now, had been forgotten. Thanks to their efforts, the name Eleanor Sproull will take its rightful place in Carrickfergus history. Bringing new knowledge to light is a remarkable achievement, and I hope participants take away lasting memories, new skills, and a deepened connection to their community.”
The exhibition features a fascinating collection of artefacts from the Carrickfergus Museum’s archives that illuminate life in the town during the Victorian period. Many items are being displayed publicly for the first time, including original Victorian wallpaper from No.10 High Street, a locally made grandfather clock, and a portrait of Jane Anne Clements Ellis, the long-time owner of Prospect House.
Vital Signs is now open to visitors at Carrickfergus Museum. Everyone is encouraged to come and discover the inspiring story of Dr Eleanor Sproull and the people who brought her legacy back to life.