Exhibitions, events, learning and community projects are planned in several museums and galleries across Tyne and Wear, and are designed to allow audiences and participants to explore the local impact of the war on the people and places of the North East.

Bill Griffiths, Head of Programmes at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums said: “We are thrilled to receive support for the ‘Home Front’ project from the Heritage Lottery Fund; much of the industry of the North East contributed significantly to the war effort, and we hope to offer a fresh perspective on wartime life in this area, and an exploration and commemoration of the sacrifices made 100 years ago, to the people who live here now.”

Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums will be delivering the project in partnership with Sunderland Museums and Heritage, who manage Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens.  The home front centenary commemorations will take place at the Laing Art Gallery and Discovery Museum in Newcastle; South Shields Museum & Art Gallery; Tyne & Wear Archives; Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend; Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens; and Newcastle University’s Hatton Gallery.

Ivor Crowther, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North East, said: “The Home Front project will provide fantastic opportunities to learn about the effect the First World War had not only on those in active service but of the families, friends and loved ones left behind. The series of exhibitions, learning programmes for schools and community events that will be happening in cultural and heritage venues across Tyne and Wear will mean more people than ever will be able to explore this important moment in world history and the effect it continues to have on our lives today. This project is just one of a portfolio of projects, totalling £28m, we have awarded to date to commemorate the centenary in 2014.”

Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central, said: “The First World War touched the lives of working men and women across Tyne and Wear and its impact is still felt today, here and throughout the world. As the centenary commemorations begin around the country, I’m pleased to hear about the Heritage Lottery Fund’s support for the Home Front project.

"Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums have a long history of delivering fantastic community work alongside their more formal cultural offers so I have no doubt that the vast range of community events and activities will be a great success with local people and visitors alike. This funding will help ensure the legacy of those who lived and fought through the First World War is remembered long into the future.”

Utilising the museum and archive collections the Home Front programme will engage with people through exhibitions, as well as a mobile app and the digital recording of memories from people whose families were affected by the war and its aftermath. 
  
The learning programme for primary school age children will focus on remembrance and the stories of local people, with plans for secondary schools to include examining the role of women in the First World War economy, the impact of death and/or injury on families and the heavy industry of the area.

Notes to editors

*A first-round pass means the project meets HLF criteria for funding and HLF believes the project has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The application was in competition with other supportable projects, so a first-round pass is an endorsement of outline proposals. Having been awarded a first-round pass, the project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award.

About Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM) is a major North East regional museum, art gallery and archives service.  It manages nine museums and galleries across Tyneside and the archives service for Tyne and Wear.  It is supported by four local authorities of the area and Newcastle University. TWAM is also a Major Partner Museum funded by Arts Council England and has Core Funded Museum status. 

Further information

Vicki Page on 0191 277 2171, email: Victoria.page@twmuseums.org.uk.