Second World War and Holocaust Partnership Programme

Our project will prompt local communities to share stories of their female relatives’ and BAMER (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and Refugee) experiences of the Second World War to expand understanding of people’s experiences on Tyneside. We will be digitising large amounts of material in our museum collection which will be available to people exploring their family history.

NHCM communicates the memory of the Holocaust for a contemporary purpose: to cultivate ‘Upstanders’ against hate and persecution. Our project will develop a responsive dialogue between the Centre and ‘under-heard’ audiences which draws on disruptive and engaging narratives to consider new and challenging perspectives. A critical theme will be our responsibility to how we listen and use testimony. Our focus will be on the co-creation of innovative and powerful experiences through ‘The Listening Project’.

Our project aims to uncover lesser known stories from the Holocaust, connect with diverse local communities and support audiences and participants to apply lessons learned from these stories to make a positive difference in the world. We are particularly interested in exploring how performative approaches to the commemoration of the Holocaust can lead to increased depth of engagement and behavioural and attitudinal changes.

As part of SWWHPP, the Centre for the Movement of People at Aberystwyth University will explore the stories of refugees from National Socialism who fled to this area in a project called ‘Refugees from National Socialism in Mid-, West and North Wales’. Led by Dr Andrea Hammel the project will engage with community groups to explore lessons for today's society and learn more about the experiences of refugees past and present in this part of Wales.

The Museum of Cornish Life at Helston and Bodmin Keep Army Museum are working together to explore diverse aspects of life in the County during the Second World War and to connect these stories to what’s happening in people’s lives today. The project will involve local residents in both towns and the rural community, families, and people living in a care setting.

Find out more: Bodmin Keep Army Museum >

Find out more: Museum of Cornish Life >

In Northern Ireland the stories of the Second World War are relatively hidden in comparison with those of the First World War. Working with a network of partners and communities, National Museums NI will use this project to give a platform - through both online and offline resources - to hidden stories and collections relating to Second World War heritage in Northern Ireland.

HSFA will work with local communities to create digital interactive art that reflects on the lived experiences of Holocaust survivors and their families in the North of England. We will explore their present lives and attempt to reflect on the personal impact of COVID-19 and explore connections with forms of marginalisation.