Exhibition Rooms – Harwich Museum

Some of the exhibits within Harwich Museum

Among the new exhibits for 2026 is a display highlighting the work of Trinity House, which was first incorporated by Henry VIII before becoming a vital part of the modern town.

Another exhibition celebrates the life and work of Dovercourt-born artist and puppet-maker Peter Firmin, which features includes characters from the children’s programmes Bagpuss and Clangers.

Exhibitions about the Kindertransport and a nostalgic tribute to classic British television comedy Hi-de-Hi! remain.

The Day the children left

On a hot Sunday morning in June 1940, 1,200 children and 77 teachers from Harwich, Essex, were evacuated by train to safer areas in the West Country, marked by a 2025 commemoration at Harwich Museum. This was part of the massive British evacuation to protect children from Luftwaffe bombing, which saw over 1.5 million people relocated within three days at the start of the war.

The evacuations, including those from Harwich, involved emotional, long-term separation from parents and, for many, life-changing experiences with foster families.

Harwich Museum commemorated the 85th anniversary of the evacuation of more 1,000 school children from the borough during the Second World War at a special event, and staged a commemoration which was held on Monday June 2nd at Harwich Town Station.

Hi-de-Hi Memorabilia

The 1980s TV show was filmed at a holiday camp near Harwich, The Hi-de-Hi! display is part of an exhibition showcasing the history of the Warner’s holiday camp at Dovercourt that hosted thousands of Kindertransport.