Birthplace and homestead of Harry Ferguson is secured for museum
It has been confirmed this week that the birthplace and homestead of pioneering engineer Harry Ferguson, near Annahilt in Co Down, has been purchased and will be developed as a museum celebrating one of Northern Ireland’s most influential global innovators.
The property has been acquired by the Ferguson Memorial Museum charity following longstanding calls for a permanent site to recognise Ferguson’s extraordinary contribution to agriculture and engineering.
Born in 1884, Harry Ferguson transformed global farming through the invention of the Ferguson System, a breakthrough that revolutionised tractor design and remains the foundation of modern agricultural machinery.
His famous partnership with Henry Ford led to the Ford–Ferguson tractor, followed by the UK-manufactured TE20 series, more than 517,000 of which were produced and sold in over 100 countries.
Robert Kerr of the Ferguson Memorial Museum said: “This is about securing the place where Harry Ferguson’s story began and finally giving his legacy the recognition it deserves.
“His ideas changed farming across the world, and that influence is still felt today.
“There is no better place to celebrate the man and his legacy than where he was born and lived.”
Plans are now being developed to conserve the homestead and create a visitor-focused museum rooted in education, innovation and inspiration for future generations.
The site’s location, just outside Royal Hillsborough and directly accessible from the A1, positions it as a destination for visitors from across the island of Ireland and beyond.”
Councillor Andrew Gowan of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, who has worked closely with the group to reach this milestone, said: “Harry Ferguson’s story starts here in rural Co Down, but his impact was global.
“This is a proud moment for the local community and a major step towards delivering a museum people have wanted to see for many years, one that has the potential to inspire young and old, attract visitors from across the world, and properly celebrate a remarkable legacy.”
He added: “The primary focus was securing the house for the purposes of a museum.
“The charity will now be speaking to consultants and other organisations regarding the next steps for the museum and it'll take some time for it all to come fully to fruition.
“There are events planned for the summer on the site and everyone involved is wholly dedicated to honour the legacy of Harry Ferguson.
“The fact the house which he grew up in has been acquired adds to the authenticity of the museum and the nearby memorial garden attracts a significant number of visitors.”