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VJ Day and more this summer at Ancient House Museum

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This summer, Ancient House is joining thousands of people across the country to remember the end of the Second World War, 80 years ago, on VJ Day – Victory in Japan Day.

A man in historical uniform stands with arms folded in a museum display. He wears a wide-brimmed hat, khaki green shirt, and vintage military trousers with gaiters and boots. Behind him is a dark wooden door with a diamond-shaped panel, a case of rifles on a yellow-draped table, and a cabinet of china.To his left are other museum props, including a wooden chair, a khaki military coat on a hanger, a helmet, satchels, a fan, and a cardboard cutout of a historical Black woman holding a tray labelled "Betty's life". A rifle is propped on a tripod in front.The room has wooden beams, red brick, and painted wall panels, giving it a cosy, period-style setting.
VJ Day at Ancient House Museum © Norfolk Museums Service

On Friday 15th August, the museum will host a family-friendly event exploring the role local people played in VJ Day. Visitors will be able to learn the stories of those who served in the Far East, with a costumed character portraying a serviceman from the time. You can also make a sweet treat to celebrate the end of the war and fold a peace crane for the future.

Two costumed performers pose as Viking warriors outside Ancient House Museum, a black-and-white timber-framed building with the museum’s blue sign.The man wears a hornless helmet, a long white beard, red tunic, and holds a large round shield with a blue and yellow knotwork design. He wields a sword and smiles broadly.The woman beside him wears a green dress with an apron and patterned trim, a linen-style head covering, and holds a sword while grinning fiercely. Beaded jewellery and a leather pouch complete her costume.The sky is blue with scattered clouds, and the old building behind them adds a historic backdrop.
Meet the Vikings as part of the Brecks Outdoor Festival © Norfolk Museums Service

Image caption under photo:
Meet the Vikings as part of the Brecks Outdoor Festival. Image: ©Norfolk Museums Service

On Saturday 23rd August, visitors will become archaeologists, investigating a recreated Viking burial site to learn about Viking Thetford. They’ll also be able to meet costumed Viking characters and strike their own Viking coin. This is part of the Brecks Outdoors Festival.

Throughout the holidays, visitors can enjoy museum trails to gain a new perspective on the collections and win a small prize. Themes include Rainbowsaurus, the Flint Alphabet Treasure Hunt, and Prince Frederick’s Painting Collection. The museum is delighted to be partnering with Kids in Museums and Simon & Schuster Children’s Books as part of the national Grimwood Museum Adventure. Spot Grimwood characters hiding around the museum, elect a new Mayor of Grimwood, and design them their very own campaign poster! Complete the trail and get a free Grimwood sticker. Plus, enter the competition and one lucky winner will receive a signed Grimwood book bundle and a Double National Art Pass + Kids, courtesy of Art Fund.

All events are bookable from the Ancient House Web Shop or by calling the museum on 01842 752599

A colourful promotional poster titled “Plants of Pride!” with rainbow bunting across the top. The text below reads:
“Brand new digital tour now at Ancient House Museum!
Explore how plants have been used in LGBTQ+ history on our new Queer Symbolism of Plants tour, all through your mobile phone!
Created by our Gardening Group, the digital tour is included in admission to all museum visitors.
Visit Ancient House Museum, White Hart Street, Thetford, IP24 1AA to find out more!”At the bottom, logos from left to right:Ancient House Museum of Thetford LifeKick the Dust (logo resembles a blue splat with black text)Arts Council England (circular logo plus full text logo: “Supported using public funding by ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND”)National Lottery Heritage Fund (“Made possible with” and the Heritage Fund hand logo in a teal circle)The background is a soft purple-grey, with a colourful illustrated grass and wildflower border at the base.

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