Businesses encouraged to share old Arboretum archives
As part of a commemorative programme to mark the 80th anniversary of many landmark moments during the Second World War, the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is encouraging organisations, both large and small, to dive into their archives and share stories of how 1944 helped shape the future of their business.
Stories, photos, and artefacts unearthed by local businesses will help the nation’s year-round place to remember to develop an interactive programme exploring life in 1944, including a commemorative exhibition that will debut later this year at the Arboretum.
Rachel Smith, head of learning and participation at the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “From food marketing posters to design sketches of new products, delivery vehicles and uniforms, to new technologies or newspaper headlines, we’d love businesses to dig into their archives to discover their own connections to 1944.
“Many organisations have a long and proud history, and we would love to talk to them about relevant stories and artefacts in their archives and discuss ways in which they could contribute to this interactive programme for visitors during this hugely significant anniversary year.”
Businesses and organisations all over the country contributed to the war effort, and many more would have been affected by or had a major influence over aspects of daily life in Britain. These business developments during what was a seismic year for the country and wider world will prove fascinating to visitors exploring the Arboretum’s exhibition.
Rachel added: “Our new exhibition will take visitors on an interactive and sensory journey back to 1944, telling real people’s stories of what life was like at home and away during that momentous year, through photos, artefacts, music, and video.”
Businesses can share details of their memories, alongside period images and photos of artefacts via a form on the National Memorial Arboretum’s website by 20 March. All contributions will be reviewed by the team developing the commemorative programme who will contact artefact contributors to discuss the process of donating their item if it is selected for the exhibition.
