Business Details
Portsmouth's City Museum & Records Office: WWII History & Exhibits
The City Museum & Records Office stands as Britain's sole institution dedicated exclusively to the history of the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944. Since our establishment, we have preserved the human stories behind Operation Overlord through an extraordinary collection of artefacts, personal accounts, and the iconic Overlord Embroidery. Our mission extends beyond preservation to education, offering immersive exhibits and interactive displays that connect generations to this pivotal moment in World War II. With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we are transforming into a 21st-century museum featuring enhanced learning spaces, modern galleries, and a dynamic events programme. Our team combines historical expertise with a commitment to accessibility, ensuring visitors engage deeply with the sacrifices and heroism of those involved.As custodians of this legacy, we collaborate with veterans' associations, educational trusts, and local communities to keep these stories alive. Our Portsmouth location, central to D-Day's planning and execution, provides unique insights into how this operation shaped both national and global history. Through partnerships with schools, cultural institutions, and digital platforms, we extend our reach beyond physical walls, offering online resources and virtual experiences. The museum's transformation project, supported by public donations and initiatives like the Heroes' Tide album, ensures this history remains accessible and impactful for future generations.
Services
D-Day Exhibitions
Historical Research
Educational Programmes
Event Hire
Image Reproduction
Filming Services
Online Resources
Community Projects
Veteran Interviews
Donation Campaigns
Highlights and features
- We are Britain's only museum exclusively dedicated to D-Day history.
- Our Overlord Embroidery provides a unique visual narrative of Operation Overlord.
- We offer immersive educational programmes for schools and groups.
- Our Heritage Lottery Fund-backed transformation enhances visitor experience.
- We maintain partnerships with veterans' associations and educational trusts.
Services
D-Day Exhibitions
Our exhibitions showcase the largest collection of D-Day artefacts in Britain, including military equipment, personal memorabilia, and the Overlord Embroidery. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations bring the events of 6 June 1944 to life. Visitors gain unique insights into the planning, execution, and aftermath of Operation Overlord through first-hand accounts and historical documentation.
Educational Programmes
We provide curriculum-linked educational sessions for schools, focusing on WWII history and the significance of D-Day. Resources include guided tours, handling collections, and digital learning materials. Our programmes cater to all key stages, fostering historical understanding through immersive experiences. Partnerships with educational trusts enhance accessibility for students nationwide.
Community Projects
Our community initiatives connect local areas to D-Day's national impact through the 'D-Day on Your Doorstep' project. We collaborate with residents to document and share regional connections to the Normandy landings. These efforts preserve local wartime heritage and encourage public participation in commemorating historical events through exhibitions and oral history recordings.
Event Hire
The museum offers versatile spaces for conferences, exhibitions, and special events focused on military history. Our facilities include dedicated galleries, lecture theatres, and the Overlord Embroidery display area. We provide technical support and curatorial expertise for events aligned with our educational mission, ensuring a unique historical setting for attendees.
Image Reproduction
We offer high-quality reproductions of historical photographs, artworks, and documents from our archives for academic and commercial use. Our collection includes rare D-Day imagery and military records available through licensing agreements. Professional support ensures accurate reproduction and proper attribution for media, publications, and research purposes.
Questions
What is the D-Day Museum's main focus?
We exclusively cover the history of the 1944 Normandy landings and Operation Overlord, including their planning, execution, and impact on World War II.
What is the Overlord Embroidery?
This 83-metre textile artwork visually narrates Operation Overlord from 1940 to 1944, serving as our museum's centrepiece exhibit.
Are there educational resources for schools?
Yes, we provide curriculum-linked programmes, handling collections, and digital resources for all key stages focused on D-Day history.
How can I support the museum?
Support through donations, purchasing the Heroes' Tide album, or participating in our fundraising campaigns directly funds our transformation project.
What community projects do you offer?
Our 'D-Day on Your Doorstep' initiative documents local connections to the Normandy landings and encourages public participation in preserving wartime history.
