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Colourful graphic featuring children's toys related to war time

Toys, Tales & Tenacity

Childhood experiences of war

11 August 2023 - 14 July 2024

From cherished toy soldiers and adventure comics to immersive cadet training and captivating computer games, children have long engaged in war-like activities that ignite their imagination and spirit. Through these games, stories, and activities, they navigate a world that can often seem senseless, finding meaning and understanding within the chaos.

  • Gumnut Corps Post Card

    Shrine of Remembrance Collection

  • Tactics Board Game

    Courtesy of Luke Jones

  • Toy Drum

    Courtesy of Museums Victoria

  • Toy Soldiers

    Courtesy of Luke Jones

  • Toy Dog

    Courtesy of Museums Victoria

This first-of-its-kind exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance delves into the experiences of children during war, shedding light on their unique perspectives and the profound impact war has had on their upbringing.

While war may have been an indirect experience for many Victorian children, we also recognise those whose lives were directly affected. Some children faced separation from loved ones, endured hardships and sacrifices, or bore witness to the uncertainty and anxiety that war brings. Their stories are integral to understanding the lasting impact war can have on the formative years of childhood.

Join us for an immersive and thought-provoking journey as we explore the intertwined stories of war, childhood, and the enduring spirit of youth in the face of adversity. Discover the remarkable resilience, patriotism, and imagination of children throughout history, and gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact war has had on Australian culture.

Take a virtual tour of the exhibition

Toys, Tales, Tenacity: The Podcast

Listen to true tales of tenacity as three extraordinary individuals share their stories of how war and conflict have impacted their childhood.

This podcast is also available on Spotify(opens in a new window) and other streaming services.(opens in a new window)

A black and white photograph of a young boy sitting on a chair. He is holding an open book and smiling into the camera. He is wearing a checked shirt with rolled up sleeves.

Garry Fabian

Garry Fabian was just eight years old when he and his parents were interned at Theresienstadt.

A group of five people standing together against a tall bush. On the left, there is a wman holding the shoulders of a small boy. On the right, there is a woman holding a small child on her hip. A young girl, Silke Hesse, is standing in front of this woman. The image is in black and white.

Silke Hesse

Silke Hesse was among more than 12,000 people who were held in internment camps across Australia in the Second World War.

A black and white photo showing a young girl running in a field. She is wearing a white dress with a collar and a big white bow in her short hair. She is smiling as she moves.

Bep-Rie Gomperts

Bep-Rie Gomperts spent her childhood moving from family to family for safety and was separated from her mother just shy of her sixth birthday.

Hear tales of Victorian children in wartime

Bill

"I can't remember really being frightened. It was simply some things you did." Listen as Bill, a Shrine Volunteer, reflects on growing up during wartime in Melbourne.

Ken

Volunteer Ken has had many links to service throughout his life. Watch as he shares these stories, along with some artefacts from childhood.

This exhibition is supported by the Victorian Government and the Victorian Veterans Council.

Victorian Veteran Council and Victorian Government logos

Updated

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