World War Two Talks at the City Museum
The Portsmouth City Museum, Museum Road, Portsmouth PO1 2LJ is presenting a series of talks about D-Day and Second World War history from guest speakers. We will be hosting these talks starting in September. Admission is £5 per adult, £4 concessions (those over 65 and Leisure Card holders) and tickets must be booked in advance by contacting us by emila using the Blue Bird link on the top right of this page or by calling 02392 834779.
Find out more about each talk below.
The Ill-Prepared City: Portsmouth before the Blitz
Wednesday 20th September 2017 14:00 - 15:00
Philip MacDougall
In November 1918, the Great War came to an end. There were lessons to be learnt in not just how to fight a war but how to defend the civilians of the home front. What were these lessons and how well were they learnt in Portsmouth? These are the questions that Philip will answer in this talk. When Britain declared war on Nazi Germany in 1939, it did not come as a surprise. Hitler’s remilitarization and repudiation of the Treaty of Versailles sounded a warning bell for what was to follow. In this talk, Philip examines what steps in preparing Portsmouth and its residents for the inevitable war what lessons had been learnt from the previous. Focussing on civil defence, the fire services and failed evacuation plans, he will reveal a shocking story of lost opportunity and incompetence.
Quakers at War
Wednesday 27th September 2017 14:00 - 15:00
Dr. Frances Hurd
In 1947 work of Quakers (Society of Friends) during the Second World War was recognised with the Nobel Peace Prize. Why did they receive it? What have Quakers done to help combatants and civilians during wartime, and when did they start doing it? And who are the Quakers, anyway?
D-Day & Southwick House
Wednesday 4th October 2017 14:00 - 15:00
Join Richard Callaghan, Curator of the Royal Military Police Museum, as he explores the role that Southwick House in Hampshire played on D-Day.
Keep it in the Family
Wednesday 22nd November 2017 14:00 - 15:00
Heather Wylde tells the story of her uncle, a brave young man who went missing in World War Two. This story is completely true and backed up by records, photos and documents. It has a special, unusual twist...
The Hampshire Fire Service & World War Two
Wednesday 29th November 2017 14:00 - 15:00
Archivist Alan House talks about the history of the Fire Service and their work during World War Two, including their involvement with D-Day and the group that went over to Normandy.
Put Your Best Face Forward
Wednesday 6th December 2017 14:00 - 15:00
Helpful home front hints presented in an entertaining manner by a wartime housewife. How did women manage to brighten their corners and feed their families during the days of rationing and war? Play a recipe guessing game and enjoy a good old fashioned sing along. Presented by Pedlars & Petticoats.
The Royal Observer Corps during the Second World War
Wednesday 17th January 2018 14:00 - 15:00
Join Neville Cullingford from the Royal Observer Corps Museum as he talks about the work of the ROC during the Second World War.