Carisbrooke Castle Museum VE Day Oral History Project
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Through VE 80: Unlocking Stories of 1945, Carisbrooke Castle Museum is collecting, preserving and sharing the memories of Islanders who experienced the end of the Second World War.
This project brings generations together to uncover and celebrate the Island’s wartime history — with a special focus on community voices, intergenerational learning, and personal stories.
What We Are Doing
Intergenerational Learning Activities
Workshops in schools across the Island connecting young people with stories from 1945.
Community Reminiscence Sessions
Free, drop-in events across the Isle of Wight where people can handle objects from our 1940s collection, share memories, and chat over a cuppa.
Oral History Interviews
In-depth interviews with Islanders who remember life on the Island during and after the war, to be preserved for future generations.
Travelling Exhibition (Coming Later in 2025!)
A mobile display featuring photos, quotes, and audio from the project, which will tour the Island later this year.
Upcoming Events:
VE Day 80 Reminiscence Sessions
Join us in May as we take our 1940s outreach collection to venues around the Island. All objects can be handled, and everyone is welcome to share their stories.
No booking required. All sessions are FREE.
Thursday 1st May, 10am–1pm
Old School Café, High Street, Brading
Friday 9th May, 10am–12 midday
Ryde Library, George Street, Ryde
Monday 12th May, 3:30–5pm
Independent Arts, High Street, Newport
Wednesday 14th May, 6:30–8pm
Arreton Methodist Church, Main Road, Arreton
Thursday 15th May, 10:30am–12 midday
West Wight Sports & Community Centre, Moa Place, Freshwater
Thursday 29th May, 1:30–3:30pm
St Catherine’s Church, Church Street, Ventnor
Get Involved
Do you have a memory, photograph, or family story from VE Day or life on the Isle of Wight in 1945?
We’d love to hear from you! Your memories or photos could form part of our upcoming exhibition.
Project Partners & Funders
This project has been made possible with funding from:
