The Langley Centennial Museum’s newest exhibit, Mementos & Memories: Langley & the Second World War tells the story of the war through the experiences of Langley people.
Through artifacts and firsthand accounts of service overseas and service on the home front, the exhibit tackles subjects such as fundraising efforts at home, enlistment, and internment.
The museum’s Mementos & Memories opened August 17 and runs until Remembrance Day, November 11, at 9135 King Street in Fort Langley.
The exhibit shows how Langley people were coping and adapting to the day-to-day struggles of war time by salvaging, rationing, and fundraising.
Highlights of the exhibit include a soldier doll that was given to Elsie Gunter by her uncle Clarence Vaughan, a wedding dress worn by Gertrude Barton of Brookswood, and the scrapbook of Fort Langley’s Fritz Ziegler, which includes mementos of his internment. Red Cross-issued knitting instructions that belonged to Margaret Sophia Johnson of Willoughby and Private Richard Straw’s great coat and medals are also on display.
Visitors to the exhibit are encouraged to bring a copy of a wartime photo of family members from to share on the Board of Remembrance.
Because of the relevant subject matter, this exhibit will be open on the afternoon of November 11 so that the public can visit following Remembrance Day ceremonies at local cenotaphs.
The museum is hosting a special event in connection to this exhibit called “Until Everyone Comes Home: Variety Show & Vignettes of the Second World War” on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 2-4 p.m. at the Chief Seapass Theatre. For tickets or for more information, please contact the Langley Centennial Museum at 604-532-3536 or visit museum.tol.ca.