Have you ever wondered what life was like during World War II? Step back in time at Eden Camp, an incredible history museum located in Yorkshire, UK. Kids and adults can explore its 22 original Prisoner of War huts that have been transformed into engaging displays. These huts recreate the sights, sounds, stories, and smells of the past to help visitors understand life during wartime Britain.
Today, we’ll get a behind the scenes look at Eden Camp and all the work that goes into recreating history. The museum’s archivist and historian, Summer O’Brien, has kindly answered our questions. She serves as the Collections and Engagement Manager & Archivist.
Summer O'Brien, Collections and Engagement Manager
& Archivist at Eden Camp
Tell us about your job as a Collections and Engagement Manager & Archivist. What does a typical day look like?
My day is never the same really, but that’s what makes it very exciting! Usually, I will start my day with preparing what needs to be done, usually through a checklist.
My day often begins with reviewing potential new acquisitions. This could involve evaluating donations from individuals or organizations to determine their historical significance and relevance to our collections. I start by cataloging these donations that have come in the day before and prioritizing artifacts that are due to be displayed first.
During the middle of the morning, I usually spend time checking the condition of archival materials, implementing preservation measures to protect them from deterioration. This includes monitoring environmental conditions and ensuring proper storage for these precious artifacts.
A sneak peek into the archives of Eden Camp
I usually follow on with overlooking the Archive Assistant and Volunteer Team in the digitization process. I oversee ongoing digitization projects, converting physical documents, photographs, and other items into digital form. This enhances accessibility and aids in the preservation of original material. This is a fantastic resource for us here at the museum, and across the world too.
Managing our archival management software and other digital tools is another key task. I ensure that our metadata standards are maintained and that digital records are properly archived.
This would then go onto writing and researching future displays at the museum. I'm currently writing about the Bevin Boys and their bravery in the mines in the Second World War—which is a very interesting topic in itself!
Finally, I conduct our Educational Workshops for our young visitors. These workshops include Arts and Crafts, Peg Planes, Make Do and Mend Tanks, and our Evacuation Workshop. All of which are a great addition to a museum visit.
How did you first become interested in history? Was there a moment or experience you remember?
I first became interested in history from a very young age. I’d say around 4 or 5 years old! My mum used to take me to museums on weekends and throughout the holidays.
My first visit to Eden Camp was a moment I remember so significantly. It was the sounds and the smells I remember so prominently that made me say, “mummy I want to work here when I’m older” and here I am!
Hut 17 Save it Street. Image credit: Charlotte Graham
What would you say is the most fun or interesting aspect of your work?
The most fun aspect of my work is receiving artifacts and processing them into our collection. No day is the same, some people turn up and say “do you want this” and it could be the most amazing piece I’ve seen for a while. Although, I must say it's quite fun to be able to go in some of our military vehicles too!
Many of Eden Camp’s displays recreate what life was like during World War II. Why do you think recreating history is important?
Understanding history through recreation can inspire future generations to learn from the past and apply those lessons to create a better future. It highlights both the triumphs and mistakes of humanity, providing valuable insights into human behavior, resilience, and innovation.
Recreating history at places like Eden Camp is not just about looking back; it’s about making history accessible, engaging, and relevant to today's audiences. It bridges the gap between past and present, allowing us to learn, reflect, and grow from the experiences of those who came before us. I like to think we inspire the future generation to become historians. I know that was the case for me.
Do you have a favorite hut or display at the museum?
There are many huts and displays in the museum that are wonderful. I do think my favorite has to be either the Women At War Hut or the Human Torpedoes Hut—both are very exciting!
Hut 15 Human Torpedoes. Image credit: Charlotte Graham
You’ve been working on the project about the 110 year anniversary of the Scarborough bombings. Can you give us a sneak peek into what this project is?
We have currently been filming a documentary about the Bombardment of Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool on 16th December 1914 and my life as a historian! We are ever so excited as it is the opening film for the Tees Valley International Film Festival!
Here’s some background: On the morning of 16th December 1914, the towns of Hartlepool, Whitby, and Scarborough were bombed by German battleships from the North Sea. The bombardments caused hundreds of civilian casualties and resulted in public outrage in Britain against the German Navy for the raid and the Royal Navy for failing to prevent it. It was the first attack of World War I on British soil.
This documentary explores exactly what happened on that fateful morning, it explains why Winston Churchill referred to the Germans as “The Baby Killers of Scarborough”, seemingly overlooking Hartlepool and Whitby, and it shows what the government spin doctors did to save face and benefit from the atrocity.
The Baby Killers—The 1914 Bombardment of Hartlepool, Whitby & Scarborough has been produced in partnership with TVIFF, Eden Camp in Malton, and Heugh Battery in Hartlepool. The screening will feature an interview and Q&A with historian Summer O’Brien and filmmaker Mick Child.
Do you have any advice for kids interested in history or would like to work for a museum one day?
My advice for any aspiring historians is to never limit yourself. You are capable of anything! Know that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve it. I would suggest reading up on a topic you find most interesting and learn all about it, because the world is your oyster.
I was once a young historian wanting to work in a museum and here I am!
Military vehicles and planes at Eden Camp
Are there any upcoming events you’d like people to know about?
We have some fantastic events coming up at Eden Camp! Our Living History Weekend (24th–25th August) and our All Services Parade on 8th September. We are excited to welcome back all our veterans for their fantastic parade.
We also have some fantastic autumn time events including our Back to the 1940s (12th and 13th October) and our October Half Term Halloween fun! (26th October–2nd November).
You could say that going to Eden Camp is almost like traveling back in time to World War II. If you could travel back in time, what time would you go to?
That’s a great question, I would love to go back to the First World War and see the home front and the front line and meet the famous War Poet Seigfried Sassoon!
Want to learn more about World War II? Don't forget to check out our kids magazine! Issue 20 | From the Battlefront dives into often-untold stories of the Second World War.