Home Front Havering Exhibition Launch

30th August 2014

On Saturday 9 August, we launched our much-anticipated new exhibition Home Front Havering: Local Life in the First World War, commemorating 100 years since the start of the conflict. The exhibition is the focal point of a two-year WWI project between the Museum and Havering Libraries Local Studies and Family History Centre, which is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The 10th Essex Regiment WWI Living History Group added an authentic touch to the day, wearing the uniform of their forbears, and bringing along original weapons and equipment for visitors to handle. Group leader Paul Weaver, who also loaned items for the permanent exhibition displays, cut the ribbon at 11am. The Western Front Association (Essex Branch) also attended with a display of handling items, including a money box made from the wood of the original Cenotaph in Whitehall.

Matthew Abel, Exhibitions Team Leader, said: “The launch was a fantastic day, and the feedback on the exhibition was overwhelmingly positive. We are very grateful to the 10th Essex Regiment and the Western Front Association for creating such a great atmosphere, and really helping our visitors connect with the realities of the war.”

We will be running various WWI events over the next two years as part of the Home Front Havering project. Keep an eye on our website or pick up our latest programme for more details.