A PUBLIC appeal has been launched by the Museum of Somerset to help tell the county’s story during the First World War.
The museum wants to reveal previously untold stories that emerge from people’s family albums, diaries and other memorabilia. The results could be displayed at an exhibition in July next year called ‘Somerset Remembers’.
If you have First World War objects, photographs, letters, postcards or other memorabilia which show the impact of the war on Somerset, the museum would like to hear from you.
They are interested in items relating to agriculture, munitions, rationing, voluntary organisations, hospitals and nursing. Any items relating to prisoners of war, war memorials, soldiers’ charities and family life are also of interest.
If you have something which might be of interest you can contact the project team on 01823 278805, or email somersetremembers@somerset.gov.uk.
David Hall, Somerset County Council cabinet member for Heritage Services said, “The stories which emerge from First World War photographs, letters and other objects are powerful reminders of what the war meant to Somerset. We hope people are willing to lend some of these precious items for the exhibition and so help us to preserve the memory of how the war changed so many lives.”
The exhibition is part of the ‘Somerset Remembers’ project, launched by Somerset Heritage Service and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to mark the centenary of the outbreak of war in 1914.
The project will explore the impact and long-term effects of the conflict on Somerset, and look at the many ways in which Somerset people, their families and communities have remembered the war.
To keep up-to-date with discoveries, or for further information, please visit: www.somersetremembers.wordpress.com
