News & Events
- 26 October 2006
New project researching local historyThe Racial Inclusion Project is looking for anyone who has memories, stories, pictures or historical accounts of the experiences and legacy of black GI's in Somerset and the West country during World War 2.
We are currently working with the National Trust at Tyntesfield researching and documenting the use of the house as an American military hospital during WWII and the legacy left by those stationed there.
During WWII America was still a segregated society, and this division was maintained on British soil.
We are researching the expereinces of these troops, the impact and influence they had on Somerset and the West country and exploring the difficulties experienced by the children of black GI's who were left here after the war.
We would be particularly interested to hear from anyone who remembers troops stationed here, those who met them and any descendents of those troops.
We hope to be able to produce a documentary style film about this time, the people, and the effect they had on modern Somerset. The young people working within the project will also be reflecting on what we find out and comparing it to their own experiences of Somerset today.
If you have any information, stories, pictures or accounts we would very much like to hear from you. We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone born, or desendent of black GI's.
You can also contact us if you are interested in participating in this research.
This is an ongoing project, and we hope to be able to produce a film ready for Black History Month 2007