| | by admin | | posted on 11th June 2025 in National Alignments | | views 75 | |
The Peace Museum in Bradford is the only accredited museum in the United Kingdom devoted to the history and practice of peace, peacemaking and peace movements.
The Peace Museum in Bradford is the only accredited museum in the United Kingdom devoted to the history and practice of peace, peacemaking and peace movements. Established in 1994, the museum sits quietly on the top floor of a modest Georgian building in the centre of Bradford — yet its contents are anything but small. Within its compact space are banners, photographs, leaflets, artefacts, and personal testimonies that reflect how individuals and communities have worked to resolve conflict and build a more just and peaceful world.
Rooted in the ethos of a city with a rich history of social reform, anti-war activism, and diverse migration, the museum offers an inspiring alternative to the military histories commonly found elsewhere. It invites visitors of all ages to explore the idea that peace is not simply the absence of war, but an active and ongoing commitment to justice, dignity, and dialogue.
The Peace Museum was born out of the long-standing peace traditions found in Bradford, including strong Quaker, Methodist, and trade unionist influences. Its founding was supported by the University of Bradford’s Department of Peace Studies — a pioneering academic programme launched in 1973 — and by peace educators and activists who saw the need to preserve the physical artefacts and human stories of Britain’s peace heritage.
From its earliest days, the museum sought to be not only a repository but also an educational space — engaging young people, community groups and schools with creative learning about peace and conflict resolution. It was granted full museum accreditation in 2004 and has grown steadily in reputation as a unique and vital cultural resource.
The museum holds over 8,000 items that tell stories of peace campaigns, conscientious objection, women’s rights, anti-nuclear activism, and refugee welcome. Its collections include striking banners from Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp, leaflets from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, armbands from the Friends Ambulance Unit, and letters from conscientious objectors during both World Wars.
In addition to long-term displays, the Peace Museum curates thought-provoking temporary exhibitions. These have included “Challenging the Fabric of Society” (on peace-themed textiles), “Remembering the Kindertransport”, and “Cartoons for Peace”. It also runs educational workshops, digital resources, and partnerships with schools to explore themes of human rights, identity, and nonviolence in accessible ways.
Quakers have played a quiet but consistent role in supporting the Peace Museum, both in spirit and in practice. The museum’s ethos resonates deeply with Quaker testimonies to peace, equality, and simplicity. Some artefacts — including white poppies, nonviolence handbooks, and witness banners — were donated by Friends or originated in Quaker-led campaigns.
In 2024, the museum moved to a new, larger site on Salts Mill Road to better accommodate visitors and exhibitions. This move marks a new chapter, with improved facilities, greater accessibility, and space to expand its educational and curatorial work. It remains a place where hope and courage are preserved — where the quiet acts of peace are remembered and passed on.
The Peace Museum is free to visit, though donations are welcome, and it is open on select days for drop-in visits and group bookings. As of its relocation, it has become more accessible and now offers a growing online archive. Visitors often find themselves deeply moved, not only by the exhibits but by the idea that peace is something ordinary people have always worked toward, often at great personal cost.
To support its work, individuals can become Friends of the Museum, make donations, or get involved in projects and events. Whether one is a student, a campaigner, or simply a curious soul, the Peace Museum stands as a vital reminder that peace is a verb — something we do, shape, and sustain together.