The D-Day Story

29/05/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear that Second World War veteran Alec Penstone has passed away at the age of 101.

Alec featured in 'The Lucky Ones Grow Old' portrait exhibition and chose to visit the museum last D-Day.

Alec volunteered during the Blitz, served with the Royal Navy through D-Day and beyond.

Our thoughts go to his family and friends.

29/05/2026

Normandy veterans have always told us that they want later generations to understand their wartime service and experiences.

As we approach the 82nd anniversary of D-Day and with fewer veterans to tell their story, educating young people about what happened is more important than ever.

In 2024 we began a programme to secure funding for thousands of primary school children to participate in a learning experience at The D-Day Story.

All costs are covered – including transport, which we know is often a major barrier for schools visiting – as well as admission to the museum, and staff costs for delivering interactive workshops to the students.

We are now looking to welcome more children to the museum, but we need your help.

You can find more information about how to donate below...

https://theddaystory.com/discover/about-us/support-us/can-you-help-more-school-children-visit-the-d-day-story/

Your donation can help give more children the experience of visiting The D-Day Story.

25/05/2026

Don't forget this half term on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May you can take part in craft activities in the Discovery Hub, discover items in the museum's handling collection, and try on uniforms. Plus for under 5s there is a selection of toys and games.

All this is included in your museum admission ticket or annual pass.

Or £3 per child if you aren't visiting the museum.

22/05/2026

Did you know The D-Day Story is a

Blue Peter badger holders can get into the museum for free with a paying adult/senior ticket.

Walk-ups only, just make sure you bring your badge and valid ID card.

21/05/2026

Want to find out about events and other things happening at the museum before anyone else?

Why not sign up to our newsletter. It is a great way to keep up to date with what is happening at the museum, including themes for family activities, new acquisitions to the museum's collection, information on talks and newly released videos.

You can sign up using the below link.

The D-Day Story Email Forms

20/05/2026

The museum will once again be hosting The Polish D-Day Story event on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June.

Join us to celebrate how Poland’s navy, army and air force helped ensure that D-Day and the allied invasion of mainland Europe was a success.

The event is being organised by the British-Polish charity 307 Squadron Project and will be a day of international cooperation between Portsmouth and Poland.

The event is included in the admission price for the museum.

19/05/2026

Only a few weeks until the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.

We are busy working on a schedule of events on the day, with further updates soon online and on our social media channels soon.

Be sure to check back.

18/05/2026

Today is , a day to celebrate all museums.

The D-Day Story is the only UK museum dedicated to telling the events of June 1944, a significant moment in history.

D-Day was the largest invasion ever assembled, before or since, 156,000 Allied troops landed by sea and air on five beachheads in Normandy, France.

It was the start of Allied operations which would ultimately liberate Western Europe, defeat N**i Germany and end the Second World War.

The theme for 2026 is 'Museums Uniting a Divided World', highlighting how cultural institutions act as vital bridges across social, geopolitical, and cultural divides.

18/05/2026

in 1944 all troops landing on D-Day were ordered to make their way to marshalling areas, before loading onto the ships that would take them to Normandy.

The photo shows soldiers and firemen in a camp.

You can find out more about Hampshire's Hidden D-Day project, which is looking at these marshalling camps here - https://theddaystory.com/hampshires-hidden-d-day-project/

This project is supported by the The National Lottery Heritage Fund

14/05/2026

This half term on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May in the Discovery Hub you can create your own toy aeroplane or peg doll to take home.

With objects from the museum’s handling collections, archive material, uniforms to try on and toys and games for under 5s there is something for all the family.

It is free with a museum admission ticket or annual pass or £3 per child if not visiting the museum.

14/05/2026

From Saturday 16 May until Sunday 7 June you can take part in our D-Day Detectives Family Trail.

Come to the museum to discover the incredible facts, figures and personal stories about D-Day, the largest invasion ever assembled.

Complete our family trail for a chance to enter our prize draw and to win one of the following prizes:

• Gustav the Pigeon, soft toy
• The D-Day Story goody bag
• D-Day detectives discovery kit

Designed for children aged 7+ but suitable for all the family.

Free with a museum ticket or annual pass. Ask at the front desk when you visit