Bawdsey Radar Museum – “Connections Project” secures funding

A new and exciting project, led by Bawdsey Radar Museum in collaboration with the University of Suffolk will be funded with a “New Stories New Audience Grant” provided by the Association of Independent Museums and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).

There are hundreds of fascinating personal stories of service at RAF Bawdsey before and during WW2, and throughout the Cold War. The “Connections Project” will capture these stories, combining history and technology in creating a new record of these experiences.  These personal stories will shine new light on the hidden histories behind the radar story that was a national secret for so many years, as well as many other fascinating stories related to RAF Bawdsey.

The museum is very grateful to the University of Suffolk for providing Innovation Funding to complement the NLHF Grant. Students from the University History and IT Departments will design and deliver the “Connections Project” systems. Bletchley Park and Purbeck Radar Museum Trust will also contribute valuable practical experience and support to the project.

Graham Randall, Chairman of Bawdsey Radar Museum Trustees said:

“We are very pleased to secure the NLHF grant of £6,980 through the Association of Independent Museums. The heart of the project is to create a bank of stories and details from families, the majority of whom have never visited or contacted Bawdsey Radar. This is a foundation project that will grow year on year as we capture and share the new stories.”

Thanks to National Lottery players and other funders the Connections Project will provide a moving and informative record of personal stories that will contribute immensely to the educational value of the museum. The records will be a digital resource available online for all to contribute to and as a source for research.