Hundreds more Portsmouth schoolchildren will experience the stories of the Second World War brought to life at The D-Day Story, thanks to generous sponsorship.
Sirius Analysis, Southwestern Railway and Airbus are the latest to join the museum education programme, together sponsoring over 300 extra children to visit for free this year.
Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:
“Since last year, schools have benefited from over 1,000 fully-funded visits being provided to The D-Day Story, thanks to support from businesses.
“All of these places have now been allocated, so we are looking for more companies to join our programme. In what is the 80th anniversary year of D-Day when the city hosted the national commemorations, it’s vital that the stories and legacy of the heroes who took part live on in future generations.”
The school visits give children the chance to hold genuine second world war objects, learn through interactive displays and step aboard the last surviving landing craft tank that took part in D-Day.
Sophie Cufley from Penbridge Junior School: “As a teacher in Portsmouth, I am enormously grateful for the opportunity, without this programme we would be unable to take our children to The D-Day Story museum.
“It is so important that the children develop their local historical knowledge of the important role the city played in the war effort.”
People of all ages are encouraged to visit The D-Day Story in Southsea, the country’s only museum dedicated to the events before, during and after the Normandy landings.
D-Day Story pop-up museums can also be discovered around the city – in North End Library, Cosham Library and Central Library, as well as Southsea Castle (sponsored by Sirius Analysis) and Gunwharf Quays, during normal opening hours for each venue.
Each pop-up features stories and pictures of local places and people involved, including some of the local men and women who died during D-Day.
Previous sponsorship of the education programme from BAE Systems, Portsmouth Grammar School, Lockheed Martin and Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries funded over 800 school visits last year.
- To enquire about joining the sponsorship programme, please email carol.clark2@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9284 1174. Minimum sponsorship is £3,500 for 100 children.
- For the latest events and activities at The D-Day Story visit: D-Day 80 – The D-Day Story, Portsmouth (theddaystory.com)