New exhibition explores the real-life experiences of district residents living through the Second World War
A new exhibition at the museum, ‘Calm and Courageous: The Second World War Home Front in the Epping Forest District,’ opened on Saturday 5 April 2025.
Marking 80 years since the Second World War came to an end in Europe, this exhibition tells the story of the Home Front in the Epping Forest District of Essex through the themes of the War at Home, War Work, Defending the District, Service and the War’s End.
The Second World War touched every aspect of life. From 1940 to 1945, the people of the district endured attacks by bombs and rockets, evacuations of loved ones to safer, rural areas of the country, conscription and rationing of goods.
Using objects, stories and oral histories from the museum’s collection, as well as a selection donated from local history societies, community groups and other district heritage sites, this thought-provoking exhibition tells the stories of individuals whose lives were transformed after war broke out in September 1939.
Items on display include a map showing where bombs fell in the Waltham Holy Cross District, photographs of the construction of American built airfield RAF Matching, fragments of planes from RAF Chipping Ongar in Willingale, and photographs of individuals up and down the district celebrating VE Day with parades, Thanksgiving services and street parties.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a varied event programme. Check out the museum’s social media to stay up to date with what’s on.
Epping Forest District Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am – 4pm. Museum entry is pay if and what you can, donations welcome.
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Visitor information
Address
39-41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1EL
01992 716882
Opening times
Mon – Wed & Fri, 10am – 4pm, Sat until 5pm Closed Good Friday and from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day (inclusive)
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