Crack the code this half term at the National Museum of Flight
At National Museum of Flight this half term, discover the Second World War history of East Fortune Airfield. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, families will uncover the intriguing story of code breaking through a weekend of themed activities from Friday 14 February until Sunday 16 February.
A selection of images is available for press use here.
During the Second World War, less than 10 miles from the museum’s home at East Fortune Airfield, women were being trained to be secret radio operators. They would go on to help spy on and disrupt the activities of Nazi invaders across Europe. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover how secrets were hidden and shared during the conflict with a range of family activities, including creating your own code and learning how codes were broken. Visitors will also have the chance to learn Morse Code, semaphore and secret writing.
The support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery means that Half Term: Code Breakers is free with Museum admission.
Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said:
“As one of Scotland’s best days out, the National Museum of Flight is the perfect destination for families this half-term. I hope our young visitors will enjoy learning about this fascinating part of East Fortune’s story during the Second World War.”
The National Museum of Flight is home to a world class collection of aircraft, from a Supermarine Spitfire to Scotland’s only Concorde. The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aeroplanes fly. They are also able to learn more about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.
Ends
For further information and images contact Kirsten Cowie, National Museums Scotland press office on k.cowie@nms.ac.uk / 0131 247 4088
Notes to editors
Notes to editors:
1. The National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Tel: 0300 123 6789
Members Free
Adult from £13.00
Concession from £11.00
Child 5–15 from £8.00
Under 5s Free
Tickets can be booked online nms.ac.uk/flight
February half-term opening hours:
Sat 8 - Sun 16 Feb
Open daily: 10:00 - 16:00
Weekend Activities – Friday 14 – Sunday 16 11:00 – 15:00
Winter opening hours:
Nov – Mar (not including February half-term)
Open weekends only, Sat & Sun: 10:00 - 16:00, last entry 15:00
2. National Museums Scotland
National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in the UK and Europe and it looks after collections of national and international importance. The organisation provides loans, partnerships, research and training in Scotland and internationally. Our individual museums are the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life and the National War Museum. The National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh houses conservation and research facilities as well as collections not currently on display.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland
Instagram: @NationalMuseumsScotland
Bheireadh Oifis nam Meadhanan eadar-theangachadh Gàidhlig den bhrath-naidheachd seachad do bhuidhinn mheadhanan bharantaichte. Cuiribh fios do dh'Oifis nam Meadhanan airson bruidhinn air cinn-latha freagarrach.
3. National Museums Scotland has received over £4 million in funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded through the Postcode Culture Trust.