What was life like for the people of Copeland during World War II? Find out about rationing, air raids, gas masks, evacuation and propaganda. Listen out for the gas rattle and keep your identity card with you at all times.

Session duration: 1 hour and 30 mins

INTERACTIVE LEARNING

See for yourself the cramped conditions inside a real Anderson air raid shelter.
Hear the air raid sirens and take cover!
Touch original artefacts used during World War II.
Discuss hidden secrets about the local area.
Smell the rubber of the period gas masks.

RESOURCES

Session led by Museum Learning Officer

• Objects include gas masks, ration books, helmets, identity cards.
• Activity sheets available – object investigation, downloadable make your own gas mask template and Copeland Identity card template.

NEW CURRICULUM LINKS – HISTORY

Key Stage 1

• Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality.

Key Stage 2

• A local history study.
• A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils chronological knowledge beyond 1066.

Key Stage 3

• Challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.
• A local history study.

Other curriculum links

• Geography, Citizenship, Literacy, Numeracy, Art and Design.