May2011_1940s EXHIBITION
We often think of the past as a simpler time, but the 1940s was a decade of many challenges and great change. This period of our recent past is the focus of an exciting new temporary exhibition at the Pine Rivers Heritage Museum.
For those of us who were not yet born, this is a chance to experience Australian fashion, entertainment and home life, as well as to gain an understanding of our local involvement in World War II.
The first half of the turbulent 1940s was filled with the impacts of war including the loss of Australian lives, the rationing of food, clothing and petrol, and the changing roles of women who kept industry afloat. Tens of thousands of Australian, American and British troops were stationed within the “Camp Strathpine” military area. People had to adjust very quickly to a new way of life. Civilian life was marked by learning to do without and modest living.
Following the victory celebrations of 1945, a positive attitude and feeling of great anticipation swept the nation – but there were many problems facing Australia. Thousands of soldiers came home and needed to be re-settled. There were housing shortages and the factories that produced supplies for the war had to quickly convert back to peacetime production. Post war Australia also saw the influx of migrants and the start of the Baby Boom era.
The 1940s: Challenge and Change is an interactive exhibition with something for everyone. Visitors have the chance to try on clothing from the period in the fashion shop, watch rare colour film footage of the times, listen to music and flip through magazines in the recreated 1940s lounge room.
The exhibition began on Friday 8 April and runs until Sunday 19 June, at the Pine Rivers Heritage Museum, which is located in Old Petrie Town, Dayboro Road, Whiteside.
The Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10am to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm. Phone 3285 7213.
The first half of the turbulent 1940s was filled with the impacts of war including the loss of Australian lives, the rationing of food, clothing and petrol, and the changing roles of women who kept industry afloat. Tens of thousands of Australian, American and British troops were stationed within the “Camp Strathpine” military area. People had to adjust very quickly to a new way of life. Civilian life was marked by learning to do without and modest living.
Following the victory celebrations of 1945, a positive attitude and feeling of great anticipation swept the nation – but there were many problems facing Australia. Thousands of soldiers came home and needed to be re-settled. There were housing shortages and the factories that produced supplies for the war had to quickly convert back to peacetime production. Post war Australia also saw the influx of migrants and the start of the Baby Boom era.
The 1940s: Challenge and Change is an interactive exhibition with something for everyone. Visitors have the chance to try on clothing from the period in the fashion shop, watch rare colour film footage of the times, listen to music and flip through magazines in the recreated 1940s lounge room.
The exhibition began on Friday 8 April and runs until Sunday 19 June, at the Pine Rivers Heritage Museum, which is located in Old Petrie Town, Dayboro Road, Whiteside.
The Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10am to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm. Phone 3285 7213.
