Eden Camp awarded £224,000 towards restoration of Prisoner of War huts

Friday, 3 November 2023 03:00

Eden Camp Modern History Museum has been awarded £224,000 of the £16.9 million UK Shared Prosperity Funding from North Yorkshire Council.

Eden Camp awarded £224,000 towards restoration of Prisoner of War huts Eden Camp Modern History Museum has been awarded £224,000 of the £16.9 million UK Shared Prosperity Funding from North Yorkshire Council. Set in the original buildings and grounds of a WWII Prisoner of War Camp, Eden Camp Modern History Museum looks to preserve an important piece of local and national heritage with the 50% matched funding over a two-year period. This follows extensive investment from the family-owned business to enhance the much-loved visitor attraction. Cllr Simon Myers, executive member for culture, leisure and housing, and chairperson of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund places sub-group at North Yorkshire Council, said:

“Eden Camp provides an important insight into modern history bringing to life what it was like to be in a prisoner of war camp during World War Two. “It is important that we continue to preserve that history for future generations and this grant will help towards achieving that ambition.”

[caption id="attachment_85168" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] The huts at Eden Camp (Photo: About Britain)[/caption] Eden Camp’s original huts were built by Italian prisoners in 1942 as makeshift accommodation, designed to last for a maximum of ten years. Now, over 80 years later, the huts are still standing but in need of urgent repair. The funding received will go towards vital repairs to restore and preserve the huts, protecting them against further weather damage and deterioration. Housing a multitude of information and original artefacts from WWII, the museum aims to encourage learning and showcase modern history using immersive techniques, engaging displays and exhibitions. Howard Johnson and Paula Peace, co-owners and directors of Eden Camp are thrilled with the positive news. They said:

“We are extremely appreciative of the support shown by North Yorkshire Council and York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub for the project. “We are passionate about keeping our local history alive and are proud to continue sharing our extensive archives with the local community, visitors, volunteers and school children through the help of UK Government funding.”

Thousands of visitors, including school children, enjoy the museum, learning about the local and national history of the camp, and a wider understanding of the military and social contexts of WWII. The Museum prides itself in being a key supporter of the local community, and a contributor to the thriving visitor economy in North Yorkshire. By preserving history through the awarded grant, Eden Camp can continue to engage with the community and boost educational outreach. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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Eden Camp awarded £224,000 towards restoration of Prisoner of War huts

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