Clifton House 250th Anniversary
2024 marks the 250th Anniversary of Clifton House. (1774 – 2024)
First opening its doors in 1774, Clifton House is the oldest working building in Belfast. It remains the home of Belfast Charitable Society, who fundraised, built it, and managed it from 1774, and who ensure that its uses remain true to the charity’s mission … to look after those in need. It will mark this special anniversary with an exciting 12-month programme of activity, starting in January 2024, which includes a variety of special legacy projects, talks, tours, conferences, exhibitions and social media campaigns which will all help to tell the story of Clifton House throughout its 250 years!
The charity will also use the anniversary to bring others together to talk about the reality of poverty and disadvantage today – with an aim to answer the question ‘What would Belfast Charitable Society need to ‘build’ in 2024 to meet the needs of the disadvantaged, as it did back in 1774?
Since first opening its doors in January 1774, Clifton House has been an iconic sight on the city’s skyline, synonymous with addressing poverty and disadvantage. In our 250th year, as well as reflecting on the long history of philanthropy and social reform, there will also be a look to the next 250 years.
