This year - 2003 - is the bi-centerary of Robert Emmett's Rebellion. Thomas Russell, one of the signatories of the Declaration of the United Irishmen in 1791 was given the task of raising the North. Russell had played no part in the 1798 Rebellion as he had been imprisoned, without trial, between 1796 and 1802, first in Newgate Prison in Dublin and later in Fort George near Inverness. His mission was unsuccessful since during his absence the consequences of the Rebellion and the Act of Union in 1800 had changed perspectives and attitudes among Northern Presbyterians who had been the main supporters of the United Irishmen. Attempting to rescue Robert Emmett Russell was captured, taken to Downpatrick Gaol, tried, convicted of Treason and executed on 21 October 1803. He is buried in St Margaret's Churchyard at the foot of English Street.
Down Museum (which occupies the site of the former gaol), is mounting a series of Events during 2003 to "explore Russell's life and times and to encourage discussion and debate of a period in history which still has resonance for us today."
The programme was formally launched on 29th January with a lecture by James Quinn of the Royal Irish Acadamy. The other planned events are -
| Date | Event | Time | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13th March | Strategy and Tactics of the Rising of 1803 Lecture by Ruan O'Donnell |
7:30pm | Free |
| 4th and 5th May | Russell's Last Days, Living Memory | 1pm to 5pm | Free |
| 7th June | Thomas Russell, The Real Man from God Knows Where One Day Conference |
10am to 4pm | Contact Museum for details |
| 21 June | Bus Tour of local sites associated with Russell | Departing 2pm | £3 |
| 26 July | Bus Tour of local sites associated with Russell | Departing 2pm | £3 |
| 16th and 17th August | Russell's Last Days, Living Memory | 1pm to 5pm | Free |
| 23 August | Bus Tour of local sites associated with Russell | Departing 2pm | £3 |
| 28th and 29th August | The Final Words of Thomas Russell (Play) | 7:30pm | £4/Conc.£3 |
| 19 September | The Final Words of Thomas Russell (Play) | 7:30pm | £4/Conc.£3 |
| 18th and 19th October | Russell's Last Days, Living Memory | 1pm to 5pm | Free |
| 21st October | Lecture by Marianne Elliott Anniversary of Russell's execution |
7:30pm | Free |