Discover how World War II shaped the lives of people in our community in this powerful, story-led exhibition. Marking the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day, Service, Solidarity and Sacrifice shines a light on the extraordinary courage of ordinary people. Through inspirational local stories, the exhibition explores themes such as evacuees, the Home Guard, enemy aliens, war industries, and community fundraising campaigns. Visitors will encounter personal objects and moving case studies, including a Royal Air Force Bomber Pilot, a Commando, a Special Operations Executive Agent, and a member of the French Resistance. Oral testimonies bring to life experiences of the Danish Fishing Fleet, the Women’s Land Army, and an RAF Gunner, while a slideshow of wartime images and evocative music from Vera Lynn, Glenn Miller, and others set the scene. Handling sessions will be available throughout the day, and visitors can also engage with an aircraft silhouette interactive in the display. Created in collaboration with Museum Development North, Cumbria Archives, Whitehaven Library, Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, the BBC Sound Archive, and with support from local people who generously loaned objects and shared memories, this exhibition is a celebration of resilience, solidarity, and sacrifice. Please note that our opening times vary during the winter months – please check our website.