Canterbury in the First World War
School and group visits information

An exciting programme of special exhibitions, object investigation sessions and creative workshops for schools, colleges, universities and adult groups is taking place at the Beaney and Whitstable Museum this Autumn to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.

The programme has been developed by Canterbury Museums in partnership with a wide range of local organisations including the University of Kent, Canterbury Cathedral, Kent County Council Libraries, Registration and Archives Service, The Western Front Association, The War Memorials Trust and the Simon Langton Girls’ and Boys’ Grammar Schools.

For exhibition and workshop details and how to book please see below:

In Remembrance
Exhibition
Saturday 6 September 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015
Beaney, Drawing Room
Images, objects and words from the First World War to commemorate the centenary of its outbreak, and the role played by local people, including Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses and The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).
Self-guided visit with teachers notes. Free entry. Suitable for KS1-5.Curriculum links: History, Literacy, Art.To book please e-mail

Canterbury at War

Exhibition

Saturday 4 October to Sunday 9 November

Beaney, The Front Room

Supported by the University of Kent History Department, 6th form students from Simon Langton Boys and Girls Schools in Canterbury have studied archives and records at the Beaney, Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury Heritage Museum, to research for themselves what life was like for Canterbury residents during the First World War. Artist and curator Patricia Wilson Smith worked closely with the students to curate this centenary exhibition, which traces the course of the 'War to end all Wars', and explores the value of remembrance and the view that ‘those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it'.

Self-guided visit with teachers notes. Free entry. Suitable for KS1-5. Curriculum links: History, Literacy, Art. To book please e-mail

Home Front Whitstable, 1914-18

Exhibition

11 to 28 September (Thursdays to Sundays), 25 October to 2 November (daily), 20 December to 4 January (daily except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). 11am to 4.30pm

Whitstable Museum & Gallery

Exploring life on the British home front 1914-18 through original posters, cartoon artwork and popular arts and souvenirs. Whitstable’s stories are remembered via individuals involved in recruitment drives, convalescent nursing, fundraising, rationing, supporting family on the Front, and commemorating the dead.

In partnership with the British Cartoon Archive and Telling Whitstable’s Story community memories group.

Included in museum entry charge: adults £3; discounts £2; children free.

Self-guided visit with teachers notes. Included in usual museum entry price. 50p per pupil for Canterbury District schools, £1 per pupil for schools outside the Canterbury district. Curriculum links: KS1-5 History, Literacy, Art. To book please e-mail

Stories of the War
Object investigation workshop
Weekdays during term time
Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
Investigate what life was like for people living in Canterbury during the First World War, and for local soldiers, sailors and airmen who went off to fight, in this thought-provoking hands-on session using real objects, photographs, documents and maps. Find out about local heroes, Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses who tended the wounded, the changing role of women, what life was like for children, Zeppelin and Gotha bomber raids, and the incredible story of Britain’s top air aceMick Mannock who was brought up in Canterbury. Use the session as a stimulus for work back in the classroom, and for discussions about heroes or Remembrance.
1 hour interpreter-led session, £3 per child (minimum charge £50). Curriculum links: Key Stage 1-5 History, Literacy, Art. To book please e-mail

First World War creativity workshops

Weekdays during term time
Beaney House of Art and Knowledge

Be inspired by original WW1 objects, photographs, documents and stories from the Canterbury district, then work with one of our excellent team of artists and educatorsto make a creative response…using art, sculpture, creative writing or poetry.

2 hour interpreter-led session, £4 per child (minimum charge £75). Curriculum links: Key Stage 1-4 History, Literacy, Art, Design and Technology. To book please e-mail

Create a Remembrance Poppy and/or Postcard
Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
4 October 2014 to 4 January 2015
Create a special poppyand/or postcard in honour of a local soldier, sailor or airman who died. Dedicate it to their memory, and add it to the Beaney’s Garden of Remembrance. 20 to30 minute self-guided activity. 50p per personto cover cost of materials.Schools and groups need to book in advance. Please call 01227 862 162 or go to

Beaney Popular Lecture
Some Mother’s Son – a Family Album’s Poignant Story
Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
Thursday 13 November 2014. 6 to 7pm
Discover the fascinating story of a First World War soldier, painstakingly pieced together by our speaker Peter Ewart and his wife after the chance purchase of an old photograph album in a Kent bookshop.
Advance booking required £6 adults, £4 Beaney members. To book, call 01227 862 162 or go to