Lodge Life: Delving into WWI past with the roll of a dice

The innovative and interactive educational resource is one of the highlights of the ongoing ‘Service and Sacrifice’ exhibition at the Museum of Orange Heritage in Belfast.

Visitors to the outreach facility, including schoolchildren, can participate in the board game as World War One soldiers; navigating their way, at the roll of a dice, through seminal battles of the Great War, learning interesting facts and anecdotes from the front line 100 years ago.

All the time players are being informed of military history and the institution’s contribution to the war effort; picking up significant details, such as when the first tanks were used, and the first gas attack took place, among other information.

Museum curator Jonathan Mattison said the board game has been well received by members of the public.

“It was designed as a unique way in which young and old could engage with aspects of history from the Great War,” he said.

“Incorporating elements of the Orange service and sacrifice, during the conflict, the board game allows participants, especially young people to engage with history through a non-traditional learning format.

“In the Museum of Orange Heritage, we have created a balance between established methods of learning and new technology. Interactives provide a useful addition to such an environment.”

He added: “In this age of technology, it is also productive to include other ways of encouraging education through participation, and this is why we developed our table top board game.”

As a worldwide organisation, it is estimated as many as 200,000 Orangemen and women enlisted in the armed forces or the various medical and nursing units.

The wider museum exhibition, which was launched earlier this year, marks not only the centenary of the Armistice, but also chronicles the remarkable personal stories of individuals associated with the loyal institutions who enlisted for King and country.

A number of significant items relating specifically to Orangemen who served with the 36th Ulster Division and other regiments from the period feature in the exhibition, as well as a number of battlefield incidentals and other artefacts.

Among the exhibits is a replica of a Royal Naval Armoured Car – ‘The Ulster’ – which was deployed on the Western Front in 1915. The display also features a walk-through imitation World War One trench.

Service and Sacrifice’ runs at the Museum of Orange Heritage, Cregagh Road, Belfast until December 15. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. For group bookings, please contact 028 9070 1122.