Daytrip to London: Spies, Nurses and Exploding Rats!

 This week's blog emerged after a walking tour around London we had booked to go on was cancelled and so we decided to take it upon ourselves, as 'public historians' to seek out an appropriate replacement. Maria suggested the Imperial War Museum as it is one of her favourites and so we went! Those who are familiar with the IWM will know that it is currently under redevelopment in order to mark the Centenary of the First World War. As a result, not as many exhibitions were open to the public and the inside looked completely alien but this did not affect the overall enjoyment. We visited several exhibits including A Family in Wartime, War Story: Supplying Frontline Afghanistan, Horrible Histories: Spies and Secret War. Secret War was especially interesting as it contains newly released information about the hidden actions of spies throughout twentieth century conflicts which was intriguing and created self reflection for me personally. Videos showed the process members of the 'Special Operations Executive (SOE) –a secret agency formed by the British government to conduct undercover operations during the Second World War' underwent to ensure they were fit to become spies, showing the dedication that these individuals demonstrated in helping the nation. The presence of cyanide pills and various hand-to-hand weapons really brought home the danger these people faced by going into enemy territory, giving me a new respect for those involved in the war effort.

Forged documents used by SOEs

Maria disguised as a civvy

After experiencing Secret War, it was enlightening to then engage with the exhibition designed with children in mind. Being fans of the book series and TV show Horrible Histories, we could not pass up the opportunity and so we diligently completed the activity sheet to fully understand the exhibition from the point of view of a child. (That's the official reason anyway!) This included queueing in order to stamp our activity sheet and dodging children splatting rats on the interactive floor. The Spies exhibition was extremely interactive and educational; in some ways the presentation of the information has ensured that it have stayed with me after the visit. This was achieved through engaging in answering questions about spy techniques, attempting to crack cryptic codes, cycling to power a radio and disguising oneself as a civilian whilst in enemy territory! Although the exhibit did not shy away from more adult issues, including the use of cyanide by captured spies, the Secret War had more of an emotional impact on me, raising the issues of entertainment, personal resonance and education within museums and the difficulty in striking the balance between the three depending on the audience. In this case, I feel it was important for the children to engage in terms of education and entertainment and to allow them time to reflect upon the actions of the spies after the excitement had subsided. 

After a delicious lunch, we wandered along the Thames and happened upon this memorial. Ordinarily, I am ashamed to say, I would have ignored this and continued walking but we noticed that it was commemorating the work of the SOEs during WWII. Without having gone to that exhibition, we wouldn't have stopped to look at it, showing that new knowledge can expand your perspective on what deserves your attention and enlighten you about the wider impact it has performed in the world. 

S.O.E. memorial

 From there, we decided to visit the Florence Nightingale Museum which was much more engaging than I was anticipating. The periods of her life were displayed in circular structures (as the photograph might show) which you were encouraged to explore. Despite only being in one room, we spent quite a while there, learning about her childhood, her work in the Crimean war, her contribution to nursing practises and the changing attitudes towards nursing in general. One of the more interesting activities you could look at was the records for the nurses who served under Ms Nightingale in the Crimea and the varied outcomes from their time there, with quite a few dismissals for drunkenness! Fascinating museum and unusual to have a person focused museum in Britain but very educational.

Here are a few more photos taken throughout the day:

Maria in an Air raid shelter- cosy!

In the Spies exhibition you followed the stories of select spies- Ms Wake cycled 72 hours straight to deliver a message to and from Britain!

Showing off forging skills through giving Hitler a new identity.

Dead rat with explosives inside them to put in German factories- back fired but meant Nazis were reluctant to burn any of the rat corpses, meaning the spread of disease.

Mac and Cheese- nom!

Victoria Sponge- double nom!

Florence's pet owl Athena

http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london/exhibitions
http://www.florence-nightingale.co.uk/

Why you should visit Thame Museum (and not just because of the books on Midsomer Murders...)

During the long summer between finishing my BA and beginning my MA it was suggested that we attain some work experience in the heritage industry in order to allow us to develop our knowledge and skills as public historians. I, being very adventurous and daring, opted for my local museum, Thame museum.

'Thame museum: tame by name not by nature.'

I have to admit that before seeking work experience I had never visited Thame museum and so was apprehensive about going in and asking for a volunteering position in a place I had little previous knowledge about. I was pleasantly surprised at how eager the stewards were for me to volunteer and quickly found myself with my first shift in August. One important note I must say before I go any further; everyone involved in running and maintaining Thame museum is an unpaid volunteer, meaning the survival of the museum depends on those passionate about Thame and displaying its colourful history doing their bit as well as donations from the public. Without the volunteers' dedication, the museum would not be able to open and hundreds of years of Thame's history would be forgotten. Also, they are all extremely friendly, lovely and happy to talk to you about anything! Ok, praising over. 

The building itself was the former Magistrates Court and still has the witness box in the main exhibition room and the prisoner's holding cell as a store room! When you first enter the building, you find yourself greeted by a policeman (who I believe is modelled on a member of the museum's relative, Sgt Tom Mott) who may startle some of you (my reaction was to approach it cautiously to ensure it didn't move.)

'Good to know the museum has reliable security!'

Once in the museum, my favourite collection is held in the Tudor room which contains wall paintings from the Elizabethan period in fantastic condition which were discovered in Thame. Although you can see the paintings now, a grand opening will be held in the near future to announce its presence so look out for that! If Tudors aren't your things you may prefer the main exhibition room which has a broad range of historical items from neolithic to modern history including a vast collection of over 40 oral history accounts from residents of Thame remembering their lives (these are available for listening online.)  Thame's main historical draw comes from John Hampden's role during the English Civil War about which the museum provides much information including what a soldier wore during the English Civil War! There are so many other interesting bits of history to be found at the museum- I assumed I would only take 5 minutes to go around this small museum but ended up there for more than half an hour after being captivated by fascinating snippets of local history. 

 Learn from my mistake; don't assume that local history is dull and irrelevant to your life- without local museums like Thame, we cannot distinguish our regions historic differences and similarities with the national experience and thus our regional identities are incomplete and lack meaning and substance. So many of us define ourselves through our regional differences which have been forged through time, it's time to explore and understand your family and regional history. Local history needs supporting so take some time to explore and support local museums before it's too late! I intend to visit again in December to experience the 'Two Hankies and a Ribbon' exhibition on underwear throughout the ages and will certainly report back! 

Plan your visit now! http://www.thamemuseum.org/index.html