A new exhibition at Amersham Museum tells the story of 1940s life in the town and surrounding villages in the 1940s from rationing and war work to accommodating the influx of refugees, evacuees and troops The exhibition, Homefires and Havens, features historic photographs, objects and documents together with clips from interviews with people who remember the town at the time. There are also toys to play with and children can complete their own ration book and identity card.
One of the significant stories of the 1940s is Shardeloes House becoming a maternity hospital. Expectant mothers were sent from London to have their babies in the relative safety of the Amersham countryside. Over 5,000 babies were born at Shardeloes from 1939 to 1948. There is a special tea on Thursday 20 August in the museum, 3pm-5pm. (Details below)
The exhibition is complemented by a wide range of activities, including craft sessions for children over the summer.
Homefires and Havens, From Sat 4 July, Amersham Museum, 49 High Street, Old Amersham, HP7 0DP. Open during normal museum opening times 01494 723700 www.amershammuseum.org
To book place at Shardeloes Babies tea, 3pm-5pm, £2.50, Thurs 20 Aug ( £3.50) email curator@amershammuseum.org
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