Wanted: World War 1 stories
Waikato Museum has launched an interactive website to help uncover the untold stories of the men and women of the Waikato during World War 1 and they want your help.
For Us They Fell is an exhibition about the men and women of the Waikato during World War 1 which is to open on Anzac Day 2015. With the help of the public, the museum intends to uncover the untold stories of the Great War.
“The website allows you to gather information about soldiers from the region – your own family members perhaps, or the men whose names are on your local war memorial,” says museum director Cherie Meecham.
Information sourced from the community will complement existing records to tell the Waikato story before, during and after World War 1.
“You don’t need any special knowledge to collect this information. All you need is an internet connection, and a little time. Even a few minutes is enough to make a contribution.”
The For Us They Fell website will allow visitors to gather information about the thousands of soldiers from the Waikato, including family members and the men whose names are listed on Waikato war memorials.
During July the museum will visit towns across the Waikato and Coromandel to meet the community, demonstrate the website and ask people to bring out any letters, stories or memorabilia hat they wish to share.
For Us They Fell local roadshow dates and locations:
Tuesday, July 8, Ngaruawahia RSA 11am – 12.30pm, Huntly RSA 1.30pm – 3pm
Wednesday, July 9, Te Awamutu RSA, 12.30pm – 2pm, Raglan Club, 4pm – 5.30pm
Thursday, July 10, Morrinsville RSA, 2pm – 3.30pm, Te Aroha RSA 4.30pm – 6pm
Tuesday, July 15, Cambridge Club 4.30pm – 6pm
Thursday, July 17, Hamilton RSA 3.30pm – 5pm
Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19, Waikato Museum 2pm – 3.30pm
