Bridport Museum is proud to announce several fascinating opportunities to explore the history of Bridport women’s lives during the early part of the 20th Century.
A series of talks and a study day have been organized by Professor Karen Hunt, who led the research for Bridport Museum’s First World War exhibition, Home Front, Home.
Karen says: ‘There are many stories to tell of Bridport women’s experiences of the world’s first home front created during the First World War. Our exhibition tells the stories of seven women from across the social classes in the town and how they responded to the challenges of a far-away war that gradually affected all civilians in their daily lives. But, there are many more stories to tell: why was Bridport unusual? What were the challenges of surviving on the home front? What about radical responses in Bridport to the war: women’s suffrage, trade unionism and conscientious objectors?
Karen will be exploring all of these things during 5 weekly afternoon lectures in the Museum starting on Monday 5 November.
Emily Hicks, the Museum Director said: ‘I am thrilled that Karen has agreed to run these events for us. Along with the volunteer researchers, she uncovered so much fascinating material that we simply couldn’t fit into the exhibition. This will be a lovely informal way to explore further, accompanied by tea and cake, of course!
The Museum is also hosting a study day on Sunday 18 November which is supported by the West of England and South Wales Women’s History Network. The day will provide an opportunity to explore how Bridport women of different social classes and ages demanded their rights in the period before, during and immediately after the First World War. The programme includes speakers who will share their research on both working-class and middle-class women’s activism, with plenty of opportunities for questions and further discussion.
The full programme for all events and details of how to book are on the Museum’s website www.bridportmuseum.co.uk
To find out more about the West of England and South Wales Women’s History Network www.weswwomenshistorynetwork.co.uk.
