To mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, a major new history project is launching in Norfolk in 2025.
'Silver Wings: The US Army Air Forces in WWII Norfolk' has been awarded £59,320 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
It will preserve and collect the untold and forgotten stories of the British civilians and American servicemen and women who were thrown together.
The Forum presents Silver Wings in partnership with the American Library, Memorial to the 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force and United States Army Air Forces (American Library).
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From 1942 to 1945, 38 US Army Air Forces (USAAF) airfields were established in Norfolk and thousands of Americans lived and worked alongside local people.
The influence of the stationed US servicemen and women shaped the culture and heritage of Norfolk.
Local people are asked to share their memories, experiences and family stories of the Second World War.
Chris Gribble, chief executive of The Forum, said: “The 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War is a nationally significant moment.
"The USAAF played a decisive role in ending the war and this project marks their impact on the communities and heritage of Norfolk.
"We arere grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for supporting this exciting partnership project."
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Silver Wings: The US Army Air Forces in WWII Norfolk will culminate in a ten-day exhibition and series of talks at The Forum in Norwich from September 12 to 21 2025, as part of Norfolk Heritage Open Days.
There will also be free creative writing workshops, research workshops and school outreach activities in spring 2025.
Silver Wings has also been supported by The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust and The Second Air Division Memorial Trust.
Anyone who wants to share stories of the USAAF in Norfolk during the Second World War can contact americanlibrary@norfolk.gov.uk
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