Richmond Museum to Explore the Role of Animals in Wartime History
A new exhibition at the Richmond museum will highlight how animals contributed during wartime, showcasing their vital roles and sacrifices.
Richmond, Virginia, World War One, Animals, Exhibition, Poppies
Richmond: There’s an exciting new exhibition coming to the museum that dives into the important roles animals have played during wartime. It’s fascinating to think about how they’ve helped with transportation, communication, and even in special operations on the battlefield.
From February to May, the museum will also feature the Richmond Poppies. These beautiful crocheted purple poppies were made by local crafters to honor the sacrifices of both humans and animals during conflicts.
Originally displayed in a local garden shop during the First World War centenary in 2018, these poppies were later gifted to the Donkey Breed Society, who are now lending them to the museum.
Sarah Booth from the Donkey Breed Society shared how special it is to bring the poppies back to their roots, highlighting the estimated 16 million animals that served in World War One.
On February 22, the museum will host a special event for the original crafters of the poppies, giving them a chance to see their work displayed. If you were one of those crafters, the museum would love to hear from you!
That same day, there will be a craft workshop where visitors can create their own commemorative pieces. Plus, on International War Animal Day, which falls on February 24, everyone is encouraged to light a candle in remembrance.
And if you’re a pet owner, feel free to bring your furry friends along to learn about the Tail-Waggers Club, which has been around since 1928. This club helped raise funds for the Royal Veterinary College to treat animals injured during World War Two bombing raids.
Zoë Utley, the head of collections at the museum, mentioned that this exhibition isn’t just about the active roles animals played; it also celebrates their companionship and emotional support during tough times.
She’s excited for everyone to explore how animals have been used in warfare and to think about the question: should they be used at all?
The Green Howards Museum in Richmond is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm, with the last entry at 4 pm. Admission to the exhibition is included with the general museum ticket.
For more details on upcoming exhibitions, tours, and family-friendly events, check out www.greenhowards.org throughout 2025.