This autumn, we invite you to discover Cornwall’s wartime heritage through a new series of evening lectures, Cornwall at War.

From the granite strongholds of Pendennis and St Mawes Castles to peculiar tales of conflict along the Falmouth Homefront, and the extraordinary true story of covert World War II missions launched from the Helford River, this series brings together historians, researchers and museum specialists to shed light on centuries of coastal defence, clandestine operations and local resilience.

The series begins on Thursday 17 September with historian Emma Hughes, known to many as costumed historian The Lady Time Traveller, who will explore the history of Pendennis and St Mawes Castles and the vital role these fortifications played in defending the nation from the mouth of the Fal.

Then, on Thursday 22 October, author and researcher Elizabeth Dale of The Cornish Bird uncovers Peculiar Tales of Conflict & Crisis from Falmouth’s Past, uncovering some of the lesser-known and more curious stories from the town’s homefront through the ages.

Closing out the series on Thursday 26 November is an extended lecture from Bob White and Jonathan Griffin, taking an in-depth look at the WWII Special Operations Executive base at Helford and the Museum’s own SOE boat reconstruction project, a remarkable chapter of Cornwall’s wartime story.

The series promises an autumn of discovery, exploring wartime stories hidden along our shores and how war has shaped Cornwall’s landscape and maritime legacy.

Join Us

Doors open at 7pm, with hot and cold drinks available from our Waterside Café, and lectures begin at 7.30pm. Talks usually last 45 minutes, with an opportunity for Q&A at the end (please note the final lecture in the series is an extended event that runs until 9.30pm).

Tickets for the in-person lectures are priced at £8 standard, £5 for students, £7.20 for Museum Members, and £6 to watch live online.

Whether you know your military history or are simply curious about the stories of conflict beneath your feet, Cornwall at War promises an autumn of fascinating discovery.

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