Focusing on both the First and Second World Wars, the recently uncovered collection contained hundreds of items and a nationally significant collection of Second World War uniforms. Many of the clothes had become fragile and damaged by insects over the years, so an accredited textile conservator trained volunteers to help survey, re-package and preserve the collection.

Members of the Women’s Land Army reunion group were interviewed by a professional oral history officer and volunteers. Their memories and photographs were then preserved in the museum’s archives and exhibition.

An unused upstairs space at the museum was transformed into a permanent display and activity area which included a 'Lucy the Land Girl' trail. Throughout the project, children’s activities and adult talks held at the museum and at community venues attracted new audiences.

Louise Crossley, Curator, said: “The exhibition has been open for over a year and we still have new visitors coming to donate family photographs to the archive.”

The museum continues to offer wartime themed living history workshops to schools using the project’s education packs and permanent displays.