The Imperial War Museum is inviting schoolchildren and young people across the UK to learn about the Second World War, by delving into their own family history to discover the letters sent by their relatives to loved ones.
Letters to Loved Ones will bring together first-hand testimonies of those who were there, including soldiers on the front line; men, women and children on the home front; or relatives who contributed to Britain’s war effort from British Empire and Commonwealth countries.
As part of the Letters to Loved Ones campaign, a live event will take place at IWM North on
Wednesday 7 May, the day before the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Jointly produced by IWM and the National Theatre, letters that the public submit written by their families in the Second World War will become part of a performance, featuring young people and some familiar faces.
Letters from IWM’s own collection will also be included, highlighting some of the first-hand accounts of those that lived, fought and died during the most devastating conflict in history.
Caro Howell MBE, IWM Director-General said: “Letters to Loved Ones is an opportunity for a new generation of children across the UK to learn about the Second World War, its aftermath and why it remains so relevant today. We know there’s a wealth of stories waiting to be rediscovered.
Letters to Loved Ones will bring the nation together in a moment of national
commemoration by shining a light on the personal accounts of those who were there. Don’t worry if you’re not at school. If you have any Second World War letters you’d love to share, we want to hear from you.”
IWM is not seeking original copies of letters. Families are encouraged to keep these in their own collections for future generations and should only share digital images of the letters on the official UK Government VE and VJ Day website ve-vjday80.gov.uk, where they will be shared with the nation.
Stories shared on the official VE and VJ Day website will remain free and accessible,
helping to shape our understanding of the Second World War both now and in the future.
IWM will also be delving into its own rich collections, creating special school packs to help
teachers share some of these incredible testimonies in classes, with children encouraged to
learn, discuss and get a greater understanding of the history and legacy of VE Day and why the Second World War remains so relevant today. This resource will also include links to eyewitness videos, providing an engaging insight into the memories of people who experienced VE Day in 1945.
On 5 May, families and communities are invited to join us in family hubs at IWM
North for street party activities. These free activities will include interactive workshops for paper hat making, paper flower making, and paper plate portraiture, as well as games for children.
