WWII AT THE TELEGRAPH MUSEUM
Cornwall rediscovers its secret communications history with new exhibitions at Porthcurno
Cornwall was, and remains, the main landing site for international communications in Britain. From 1 April 2019 the Telegraph Museum is launching a fascinating season of interactive exhibitions about the science, people and stories that make up the history of global communications.
Located in the Cornish village of Porthcurno the museum is a vibrant heritage attraction and is designed for people of all ages including families and schools. Porthcurno itself once boasted the largest telegraph station in the world and played an essential role during the Second World War.
Between 1939-45 the Porthcurno Telegraph Station was the hub of wartime communications in Britain. The war transformed the tiny valley and the lives of the people who lived and worked there. For example, daring work was needed to keep cable ships operating across oceans and telegrams played an important part in the war effort. Porthcurno was considered to be so strategically important to the Allies that it was moved underground and protected by bombproof doors, military guards and flamethrowers. Dug by 200 tin miners, visitors can still explore the WWII tunnels and this incredible but forgotten story is revealed in several exhibitions called Hidden Heroes, I Spy: The Secret Listeners and Going Underground.
The museum is open from 1 April between 10am-5pm.