Just months after establishing its first steering committee, the Maitland Regional Museum Inc has joined forces with The Australian War Memorial to bring a travelling exhibition to the city next year to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I.

“We don’t know where we’ll put it, but Maitland is going to get this travelling exhibition and the museum, as a group, wants to put Maitland’s signature on it,” chair of the Maitland Museum Steering Committee Janece McDonald said.

The museum is now seeking stories and memorabilia from local families to add to the exhibition.

“We want to know what Maitland was like during the war,” Ms McDonald said.

“What was it like for the people at home? 

“What was it like for the wives and the sweethearts left behind? 

“We want all the personal stories.

“It’s al lright to look at a beautiful display, and it will be, but how did this event relate to Maitland?”

The Maitland Museum Steering Committee was formed in August with a public meeting planned for February 2014. 

“At the moment Maitland has an entity known as Maitland Regional Museum Inc, an incorporated body with public liability and volunteer insurance, membership of Museums Australia, and an enthusiastic and committed group of people drawn from local organisations and public office working towards the establishment of a permanent museum by 2018 in time for Maitland’s Bi-Centennial celebrations,” Ms McDonald said.

n For more information about the World War I exhibition contact Janece McDonald on 49334450 or email Janece.mcdonald@newcastle.edu.au