b'Q.Trevor, how did the idea for this museum come about?At the corner of Dawson Street and St. A. I always thought it strange that a city of Dublins size and stature didnthave its own museum. I felt it needed a place to build civic pride because un-less you know the story of your city, how can you help chart its future? In 2011we started an initiative and spoke to City Government about finding a space.Stephens Green in Dublin is a Georgian build- That led to this building. ing bursting with stories and treasures of the Q.So where did the objects here come from?A. We put a notice in the Dublin papers inviting people to come with objectscitys past and present. The Little Museum ofthat told a story. Nearly 1,000 objects walked in the door after just a fewDublin is only a few years old but has quickly months. Today we have over 5,000 items and people still come to the mu-seum every day with items for consideration. We feel were making a tangi-become a place where Dubliners and visitors ble contribution to Dublin. Its a real privilege do to this. alike can stroll, stare, sip and tour their way Q.And what about the museums City of a Thousand Welcomes service?A. A few years ago a friend and I were in a pub and met an Australian touristthrough 5,000+ artifacts and objects that tell visiting Dublin.We did what Dubliners do: we bought him a pint and gavehim advice on what to see while he was here. That night I found myself think-the story of Dublin. From street signs to first-ing about Irish hospitality and civic spirit. I ended up talking to the IrishTourist Board about the idea of how we could welcome visitors and we beganedition novels, each object has been donatedthe City of a Thousand Welcomes service. Its a free service based here in theMuseum that pairs visitors with Dublin natives who take them for a pint or aby Dubliners making it very much a museum ofcup of coffee or tea and offer advice on what to do while they are here. Its athe people.great and informal way for visitors to improve their visit and for Dubliners toshow real Irish hospitality. Over 2,000 people have used the service so far. Trevor White is the Founder and Director of Q.How have The Ireland Funds helped the Little Museum of Dublin?A. Historically there hasnt been a tradition of private philanthropy in Ire-thisuniquespaceandConnectmagazineland. But its organizations like The Ireland Funds that have taken the lead.Their role has been absolutely vital to philanthropy here. A grant from Thecaught up with him on the museums third floorIreland Funds has assisted our education program for children: the I LoveDublin classes. School groups can come for free guided tours and activities.to learn more about this newcomer to DublinsTo see them have that experience is just great. Were creating a rich awarenessfamous museum scene and how they roll out in children of the history of their city. Wed like to think they leave here walk-ing just a bit taller.the red carpet to Dubliners and visitors alike.Q.And whats your vision for the future? A. We started with a few floors of this building and were now filling thewhole thing. We see a massive opportunity to keep growing and create some-thing that is world class. We really want to thank The Ireland Funds for thesupport theyve given so far. Its been instrumental to the success we enjoytoday. Theyre brilliant partners to work with. connect2014 | 42'