2025 marks the eightieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War or the period known as ‘The Emergency’ in Ireland. This country remained neutral during the conflict but many Irish people did serve abroad and the country endured rationing, food shortages, downed aircrafts, anxiety for friends and family abroad and profound changes to ordinary life.

Waterford Treasures museum is collaborating with Diverse Waterford to collect memories from those who lived through this period or who may have stories from their parents or grandparents passed down through families. Oral histories from this period will provide a valuable resource for years to come. Memories and artefacts from this period will be collected from a diverse range of people across Waterford city and county. This material will form the basis for an exhibition staged in the museums where visitors will have the opportunity to engage not just with objects, but with these recorded memories. 

Later in the year, a conference exploring Waterford’s history during this period will be staged to examine a range of topics from maritime to sport, social history to weather patterns and many more snapshots of life during The Emergency. 

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.