Mary Ann McCracken Foundation

Mary Ann McCracken Foundation Raising awareness of Mary Ann's story, and continuing her legacy today.

What if the streets of Belfast could tell the story of a woman who witnessed revolution, famine, and the fight for human...
24/08/2026

What if the streets of Belfast could tell the story of a woman who witnessed revolution, famine, and the fight for human rights?

This weekend, step into the footsteps of Mary Ann McCracken. From her childhood visits to the Poor House to her tireless campaigning for the vulnerable, her story is woven through the city in ways you might never expect.

Led by a trained guide, this walking tour brings her world to life through places linked to her work and her endeavours.

Tickets still available for this weekend. Book online at https://cliftonhousebelfast.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873681741

Today marks the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its AbolitionMary Ann McCracken was a life-...
23/08/2026

Today marks the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

Mary Ann McCracken was a life-long abolitionist, and an original member, and later President, of the Belfast Ladies Anti-Slavery Association. The Belfast News Letter of the 29 September 1846 reported that a group of women in Belfast were inspired by Frederick Douglas’s visit to set up an ‘Anti-Slavery Association’ in late 1845. Its purpose was to ‘render the situation of the slave more generally understood’ and to inspire others to stand with the abolitionist movement.

She also practised what she preached by abstaining from eating sugar, a product of the slave trade and the West Indies plantations and even in her late eighties, she could still be found at the docks handing out abolitionist leaflets to those bound for the US.

Some of the McCracken children were involved with the Belfast Charitable Society . Captain McCracken’s and Ann’s third e...
21/08/2026

Some of the McCracken children were involved with the Belfast Charitable Society . Captain McCracken’s and Ann’s third eldest child, Francis, attended meetings and helped with the management of the Poor House on several occasions. He apprenticed one of the Poor House girls as a domestic servant, an arrangement that his sister, Mary Ann McCracken, commented on in the Ladies’ Committee books.

Mary Ann herself was closely connected with the Society and took an active interest in the welfare and education of the children and women in her work with the Ladies Committee.

There is no direct evidence that the renowned United Irishman Henry Joy McCracken was deeply involved in the running of the Poor House, but his name appears on the list of those present at a committee meeting held on 29 December 1792.

Ann McCracken (née Joy) was the second wife of Captain John McCracken, the mother of Mary Ann, and the sister of Henry a...
19/08/2026

Ann McCracken (née Joy) was the second wife of Captain John McCracken, the mother of Mary Ann, and the sister of Henry and Robert Joy.

Ann was a reader and independent thinker who owned her own hat shop, inspiring her daughters’ entrepreneurial spirit and progressive values. From an early age, Mary Ann was exposed to the realities faced by the poor. In her letters, she recalls visiting the Poor House with her mother on their way to their garden, which was situated near the institution. These early experiences gave Mary Ann a lasting awareness of poverty and the hardships faced by others.

Looking for something different to do in Belfast this week? Discover the fascinating stories of the people who lived, wo...
17/08/2026

Looking for something different to do in Belfast this week? Discover the fascinating stories of the people who lived, worked and shaped our city.

Tomorrow – Mary Ann’s Poor House Tales

Step inside Clifton House and experience Mary Ann’s Poor House Tales, a 30-minute self-guided audio and AR tour. Hear about Mary Ann’s life and the many people she helped and supported. As you explore Clifton House, you’ll discover the stories of the Poor House residents whose lives deserve to be remembered.

This Weekend – Clifton Street Cemetery Tours

Then, step through the gates of Clifton Street Cemetery. Opened by the Belfast Charitable Society in 1797, the Cemetery catered to citizens from all walks of life.

During the tour, you’ll visit the graves of radicals and reformers from the time when Belfast was known as the ‘Athens of the North’, as well as learning about the thousands of souls who lie in unmarked graves.

For more info & tickets visit: https://cliftonbelfast.com/events/

Celebrating 5 Years of the Mary Ann McCracken Bursary ProgrammeFive years ago, we launched the Mary Ann McCracken Bursar...
13/08/2026

Celebrating 5 Years of the Mary Ann McCracken Bursary Programme

Five years ago, we launched the Mary Ann McCracken Bursary Programme with a simple but powerful aim: to help remove financial barriers and create opportunities for young people to take the next step in their education, training or career.

Since 2021, the programme has supported young people across North Belfast in accessing further and higher education, apprenticeships, training and employment, continuing Mary Ann McCracken's lifelong commitment to education and social justice.

As we celebrate this milestone, we'd love to hear from the people who have been part of the programme.

Were you awarded a Mary Ann McCracken Bursary?

Where has your journey taken you? Has the bursary helped you pursue your studies, start a new career, complete an apprenticeship or achieve a goal that once felt out of reach?

We'd love to hear your story and learn how the bursary has made a difference to your life.

If you're a past recipient, please get in touch by emailing [email protected]

Today marks , and we’re looking back at the history of the children of the Belfast Poor House.When the Belfast Charitab...
12/08/2026

Today marks , and we’re looking back at the history of the children of the Belfast Poor House.

When the Belfast Charitable Society first opened the doors of the Poor House in 1774, children were not admitted. However, this soon changed. The following year, Ann Curran’s two-year-old daughter became the first child admitted into the building.

While living there, children were provided with food, clean clothing, medical care and an education. Education was particularly important to the Society, who believed that learning could help break the cycle of poverty and give children the skills they needed for a better future.

Mary Ann McCracken and the Ladies Committee were also constant advocates for the children. They campaigned for improvements to their welfare, including more opportunities for play, better diets and an expanded curriculum.

Once their classroom education was complete, children were apprenticed so they could continue their training, learn a trade and develop the skills needed to earn a living for themselves.

Today we are delving into the life of Henry Joy (1720–1789), Mary Ann McCracken’s uncle.Henry Joy was the son of Francis...
11/08/2026

Today we are delving into the life of Henry Joy (1720–1789), Mary Ann McCracken’s uncle.

Henry Joy was the son of Francis Joy, best known for establishing the Belfast News-Letter in 1737, as well as manufacturing paper and textiles.

Along with his brother Robert, Henry was involved in the work of the Belfast Charitable Society from its early years, particularly in the construction of the Poor House. The 1771 lease for an extension of land granted by Lord Donegall was written to Henry Joy on behalf of the Society.

Henry also raised money to build the Poor House through the sale of lottery tickets. After the first two schemes failed, Henry sent a messenger to everyone who owed the charity money until they paid what was due! The funds raised were kept in the ‘Spanish Armada’ chest at Henry Joy’s premises for safekeeping.

Henry was also a constant friend and support to Mary Ann’s mother, Ann, particularly when her seafaring husband was away on long journeys. The two families lived side by side on High Street.

Sadly, in January 1789, Henry Joy passed away at the age of 69, shortly after the death of his brother Robert.

It was fantastic to see Mary Ann McCracken getting the spotlight during the Fleadh Cheoil festival last week!Mary Ann wa...
11/08/2026

It was fantastic to see Mary Ann McCracken getting the spotlight during the Fleadh Cheoil festival last week!

Mary Ann was a remarkable woman whose life, work and commitment to social justice left a lasting mark on Belfast. It’s wonderful to see her story continuing to be shared with new audiences.

Want to learn more about Mary Ann and the work of the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation? Visit:
https://maryannmccrackenfoundation.org/

And if you’re interested in learning more about Mary Ann herself, why not explore her story in the places where she lived and worked?

Visit Clifton House and take our self-guided tour, where Mary Ann shares stories of the Poor House, or join our Mary Ann Walking Tour and walk the streets of Belfast that she once walked, discovering more about her life, work and legacy along the way.

This week Mary Ann has had a front row seat for the Fleadh Cheoil , positioned by the main Gig Rig at City Hall. As a l...
07/08/2026

This week Mary Ann has had a front row seat for the Fleadh Cheoil , positioned by the main Gig Rig at City Hall. As a lover of the arts, she would have been amazed at the scenes in Belfast all this week.

Mary Ann has also been centre stage for our own events. With our new self-guided tour of Clifton House, visitors can get to know Mary Ann McCracken, get a feel for her strong willed and passionate character, and learn more about the Belfast Poor House.

Due to popular demand, we are extending our offering today of Mary Ann's Poor House Tales, with three more bookable slots now available into the early afternoon.

Snap them up while you can!

Book online via www.CliftonBelfast.com

The Duncairn Visit Belfast

Address

Clifton House Heritage Centre, 2 North Queen Street
Belfast
BT151ES

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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