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Tuesday 10am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Thursday 10am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Friday 10am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Saturday 10am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm

East Antrim Battalion Heritage Society

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East Antrim Battalion Heritage Society

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Located in Carrickfergus, the BB Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history and legacy of The Boys’ Brigade. Evenings by appointment.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10-12 and 2-4pm. The Heritage Society was set up in August 2019 when the Battalion Executive agreed with the then President, Drew Buchanan MBE, that we should start collecting and preserving items of BB memorabilia after the closure of two companies. In December 2021 the volunteers constituted the group.

06/11/2026

🎖️ The President’s Badge – Boys’ Brigade Heritage

Today at the BB Museum, we’re looking at the President’s Badge, an important award in the Boys’ Brigade.

The badge recognises commitment, effort and achievement as boys progress through their BB journey, developing their skills, character and sense of service.

Awards and badges have played an important part in the history of the Boys’ Brigade since its formation in 1883, marking the progress of generations of young people.

📍 Come and explore more of our collection at the BB Museum, 34 North Street, Carrickfergus.

⚓ We care about the past, we care about the present, we care about the future.

05/11/2026

The visitors book tell us what people think.Last night we had a visit from 16th Newtownabbey BB. A great evenings fun.

05/11/2026

🎖️ The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – A Badge of Achievement

Today at the BB Museum, we’re looking at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the badge associated with this prestigious scheme.

Founded in 1956 by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award encourages young people to challenge themselves, develop new skills, take part in physical activities, volunteer and undertake an expedition.

The award has much in common with the Boys’ Brigade ethos of developing young people through challenge, service and personal achievement.

🏅 Do you remember working towards your DofE Award, or know someone who did?

📍 Visit the BB Museum, 34 North Street, Carrickfergus, to explore more of our Boys’ Brigade heritage.

04/11/2026

🕯️ Remembrance Service

On Friday 6th November, we will hold our Remembrance Service at the BB Museum.

We will take time to remember and honour those who gave their lives in service to others.

Everyone is welcome to join us.

📍 BB Museum, 34 North Street, Carrickfergus
🕚 11am

Lest we forget.

03/11/2026

👒 The Boys’ Brigade Scouts – Circa 1909–1927

This striking Scout-style uniform dates from around 1909, when The Boys’ Brigade introduced a special uniform for its Scouts.

The uniform included a light brown Scout hat with the BB crest, a navy shirt, BB belt and Scout knapsack. It was deliberately similar in appearance to the emerging Scout movement, reflecting the growing interest in scouting, outdoor activities and practical skills within the Boys’ Brigade.

The BB had formally introduced its own Scout scheme in 1906, and BB Scouts continued as a specialised section within companies.

📅 1909–1927
In 1927, the special BB Scout uniform was discontinued.

A fascinating piece of BB history — and one that certainly looks very different from the traditional BB uniform!

#1909 #1927

02/11/2026

BB Museum Remembrance Badge

As we remember those who gave their lives in service, our special BB Museum Remembrance Badge is a small way of keeping their memory alive.

Badges are available for £5, with all proceeds supporting the work of the BB Museum.

We will remember them. ❤️

02/11/2026

🎖️ Today’s Heritage Highlight – Over 100 Years of Boys’ Brigade Uniforms

Today’s photograph shows just how much Boys’ Brigade uniforms have changed over more than 100 years, from the early days of the Brigade in 1883 right through to the present day.

From the traditional early uniforms and sailor-style Life Boys uniform, through the many changes in caps, shirts, badges and colours, each uniform reflects a different period in the history of The Boys’ Brigade.

While the uniforms may have changed, one thing has remained the same – the values, purpose and commitment of The Boys’ Brigade.

At the BB Museum, 34 North Street, Carrickfergus, we are proud to preserve these uniforms and the stories behind them for future generations.

Over 140 years of history. One Brigade. Many generations.

We care about the past, we care about the present, we care about the future.

#1883

01/11/2026

🍂 Looking Back on October at the BB Museum

As we begin November, we take a moment to look back on a very special October at the BB Museum.

October has been a month filled with history, memories and milestones. We celebrated 143 years of The Boys’ Brigade, explored our collection through our daily heritage highlights, and shared some fascinating pieces of uniform and memorabilia.

We looked at everything from Life Boys badges and caps, Junior Section badges and armbands, officers’ and sergeants’ headwear, to historic Field Service Caps. Each item tells its own story and helps us remember the people and generations who have been part of The Boys’ Brigade.

October also saw the official opening of our new home at 34 North Street, with special guests, volunteers and supporters joining us for the occasion. We were delighted to unveil our boards marking 100 years since the 1926 amalgamation and to welcome visitors through our doors.

Thank you to everyone who has followed, liked, shared, visited and supported us throughout October. Every photograph, badge, uniform and document helps us preserve the story of The Boys’ Brigade for future generations.

As we move into November, there is plenty more to discover at the BB Museum.

📍 BB Museum, 34 North Street, Carrickfergus
🕙 Tuesday–Saturday: 10am–12pm & 2pm–4pm
🌙 Evening visits available by appointment.

We care about the past, we care about the present, we care about the future.

31/10/2026

The Museum is closed today Saturday and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd November at 10am.

31/10/2026

🎩 Today’s Heritage Highlight – The Field Service Cap

Today’s photograph shows an early Boys’ Brigade Field Service Cap, recognisable by its distinctive white piping and Boys’ Brigade cap badge.

The Field Service Cap was an alternative to the traditional pillbox cap and was used for many years. The Boys’ Brigade’s 1968 handbook records both styles of headwear being used, with the Field Service Cap forming an important part of the uniform during this period.

This style of cap was eventually replaced as part of the major uniform changes introduced around 1970–71, making this a wonderful example of an earlier era of Boys’ Brigade uniform.

Another fascinating piece of uniform history preserved in the collection at the BB Museum, 34 North Street, Carrickfergus.

We care about the past, we care about the present, we care about the future.

Address

34 North Street
Carrickfergus
BT38

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 12pm
	2pm - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 12pm
	2pm - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 12pm
	2pm - 4pm
Friday	10am - 12pm
	2pm - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 12pm
	2pm - 4pm

Website

http://www.bbeab.org/

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