World War I commorative events revealed for Humber Region

Museums and galleries from the Joining up the Humber Museums (JUTHM) initiative have revealed how they will mark the centenary of the Great War this year, with a series of events, exhibitions and workshops across the East Riding,HullandNorth Lincolnshire.

Commemorations start on 4 April at Normanby Hall,North Lincolnshire, with the opening of two exhibitions. ‘Normanby at War’ is a new permanent gallery exploring the history of the Hall as an auxiliary hospital between 1914 and 1919, while ‘Keep Calm and Look Fabulous' (which runs from 31 March to 28 September) follows the plight of fashion from the years leading up to the First World War, through to the Second World War and the years immediately afterwards.  Other events at Normanby Hall include ‘British Soldiers & Life in the Trenches’ (7 September) and ‘NormanbyPark:AuxiliaryHospital’ (24 September).

On a more light-hearted note, Edwardian Easter on 19 April, at the Museums Quarter,Hull, is an opportunity to experience the Home Front and what was life was like in the build up to the Great War.  Attractions will include traditional stalls, entertainment, free craft activities and an Easter egg hunt.

A host of events and activities taking place across the Humber region focus on the experiences of local people both on the Front Line and back home including ‘Keeping the home fires burning’ at Beverley Guildhall, June to November 2014, ‘For King and Country’ at the North Lincolnshire Museum, in Scunthorpe, 1 July 2014 until 4 January 2015, and ‘In Memoriam, Reflections on War’ at Beverley Art Gallery, 27 September to 22 November 2014.  Goole Museum’s ‘Goole and the Great War’ will look at the city’s role as a port during WW1 and its effects on life in the town, 5 September to 18 November 2014.

‘When War Hit Home: Hull and the First World War’, featuring objects from Hull Museums’ collections to explore the effects of the First World War on Hull and its people, will launch on 19 July at Ferens Art Gallery in Hull, with free activities including talks and crafts.

Sewerby Hall’s new exhibition ‘Duty Calls’ looks at the First World War when the family still lived in the house and the contrasts during World War II, when the house was in public ownership and a convalescent hospital for RAF personnel.

Remembrance Weekend, 8-9 November, will see a free two-day family-friendly event at the Streetlife Museum, Museums Quarter, Hull, including live music, historical re-enactments, military vehicles and displays on military history as well as children’s craft activities.

“These exhibitions and events are going to be incredibly thought-provoking.  The wealth of information our museums and galleries have pulled together about how the Great War impacted right here in our towns and villages across the whole region means that anyone interested in finding out what happened to their parents, grandparents, great aunts and uncles during World War 1 have never had a better opportunity,” says Simon Green, Assistant Head of Sports, Leisure & Heritage for Hull City Council.  “As all of the activities have been planned as part of an overall programme, visitors can explore a different aspect of life during the First World War as they enjoy day out or even short breaks around North Lincolnshire,Hulland the East Riding.

For more details about the exhibitions and events, including opening times, please visit www.joiningupthehumber.co.uk/events

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Joining Up the Humber Museums is supported by a £1 million grant from Arts Council England.  The initiative runs until 2015, and will support commemorations of the centenary of the First World War in the Humber region.  The money will be used to improve galleries and facilities across the three council's services in preparation for exhibitions in 2014 and beyond, including the opening up of Georgian Houses, part of Wilberforce House in Hull.

There will also be funding made available to engage with a number of additional partners from the region who wish to engage with WWI centenary projects, including opportunities for volunteering, education and other outreach projects.

For further media information or photographs, please contact:

Jay Commins

Pyper York Limited

Tel: 01904 500698

Mob: 07810 546567

Email: jay@pyperyork.co.uk