Council run Stockport Museum will be launching a new exhibition to commemorate World War 1. The new exhibition is entitled ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning – Stories from World War 1’ and it opens on 11th November (Armistice Day).
The exhibition explores the impact of the war on the town and its people and it tells the story of World War I through the eyes of the people of Stockport. Diaries, letters and personal objects collected and displayed for the first time to reveal remarkable stories of courage, bravery and sacrifice.
The exhibition has been developed with help from the local community. A series of Open Days at Stockport Museum encouraged visitors to come along and share their stories and objects with the team of curators. Volunteers have also formed a research group to explore the stories collected and the World War I collections held at the Museum and Council’s Local Heritage Library.
Some remarkable objects have been donated for the exhibition, which includes a diary kept by a local lady who moved to Germany just before the war, an autograph book kept by a Red Cross Nurse, an embroidery made by a convalescing soldier, mourning jewellery made to commemorate a local fallen soldier and a message written on a biscuit sent from a soldier to his sweetheart back in Stockport.
Pictured left is Annie Droege.
One of the most captivating objects in the exhibition is the Diary of Stockport woman, Annie Droege, it has been loaned to the museum by its owner Mr Mark Drummond Rigg, a relative of Annie’s. The Diary gives a fascinating and detailed account of life in a Germany garrison town during the war penned by an English woman whilst at times in virtual house arrest.
Councillor Patrick McAulay, Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said:
“This is an important exhibition which commemorates the courage, bravery and sacrifice of local people during WW1. It has been put together in partnership with the local community who have researched and shared amazing stories. I would encourage people to visit the exhibition to learn more about this significant period in our history.”
The exhibition will run from 11th November 2014 to 15th November 2015. Admission is free.
Stockport Museum is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm Tuesday to Saturday and 11.00am to 5.00pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. For more information call 0161 474 4444 or visit www.stockport.gov.uk/museums
Pictured is Annie Droege.