’s American Connections Events

August

Catching Dreams with Pocahontas. Harleston Library, Harleston. 22 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm Learn about Princess Pocahontas and her links with Norfolk, and craft your very own Native American dreamcatcher! Suitable for children aged 7 -12. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Free; booking advisable. 01379 852549.

Wings of Friendship. The Archive Centre, . 22 August, 1pm Using photographic, sound and written archives, archivist Frank Meeres looks at the American presence in WWII and its social impact on Norfolk. Free. 01603 222599.

Design your own Nose Cone Art. Children’s Library, Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library, Norwich. 22 August, 2 – 3pm Learn about the Friendly Invasion of WWII, and design your own aeroplane nose art. Suitable for children aged 8 – 13. Free. 01603 774774. Max. 20 children. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Wartime Norfolk from the Air. Earlham Library, Norwich. 23 August, 6-7pm To mark the 70th anniversary of the Friendly Invasion, this illustrated talk uses photographs from the collections of the Norfolk Air Photo Library to illustrate the county’s wartime landscape. 01603 454338.

Village at War. Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, Dereham. 26 and 27 August, 10am – 5pm Step back to the 1940s to find out what life was like in Norfolk during WWII. Normal museum prices apply. 01362 869263 (24 hour pre-recorded information line); 01362 860563 (all other enquiries).

Creating a Native American Dreamcatcher. The Archive Centre, Norwich. 28 August, 2 – 3.30pm Discover one of the most mesmerizing traditions of the Native Americans – the dreamcatcher – before creating your own. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Booking essential. 01603 222599.

Make a Flip Book. Children’s Library, Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library, Norwich. 29 August, 2 – 3pm Learn about Norfolk people – boxer Jem Mace and dancer Vernon Castle - who were famous in Norfolk and America, and create your own flip book. Suitable for children aged 8 – 13. Free. 01603 774774. Max. 20 children. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Albert Cooper’s Jazz Life XIV, featuring the Chris Cooper Trio. The Rumsey Wells, Norwich. 30 August, 8pm Enjoy ballads, blues and bebop from legendary Norfolk bluesman Albert Cooper, and the Chris Cooper Trio. Free. 01603 614858.

Catching Dreams with Pocahontas. Holt Library, Holt. 31 August, 10.30 – 11.30am Learn about Princess Pocahontas and her links with Norfolk, and craft your very own Native American dreamcatcher! Suitable for children aged 8 -11. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free; booking essential. 01263 712202. September

American GIs in Thetford. The Dad’s Army Museum, Thetford. 4 September, 10am – 3pm Discover the influence of American GIs on life in Thetford. Hands-on activities, object handling, a dance demonstration and more. Part of the Thetford Festival. Free. 01842 751975. www.thetfordfestival.org.uk

Pocahontas and the Myth of early English America. The Archive Centre, Norwich. 5 September, 1 – 2pm Derrick Murphy discusses the myths surrounding Pocahontas and why she has played such a prominet role in the history of early English America. Free. 01603 222599. (Please note: The time of this event is incorrect in the Norfolk’s American Connections events brochure. Apologies for any inconvenience caused).

Heritage Open Days. Venues across Norfolk. 6 – 9 September. Look out for American-themed events as part of annual Heritage Open Days programme. Enjoy an exhibition at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich, which explores the connections between the Cathedral and the servicemen and women of the USAAF in WWII. Discover more about RAF Sculthorpe at an illustrated talk at Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History – The American Connection – RAF Sculthorpe, on 7 September at 7.30pm. www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory

Across the Pond Film Festival. Venues across South Norfolk. September and October 2012, times vary South Norfolk Council and Creative Arts East present ‘Across the Pond’, a film festival celebrating the best of British and American cinema. Prices vary. Booking advisable. 01953 713390. www.south- norfolk.gov.uk

Rear Window . Bergh Apton Village Hall, Bergh Apton. 8 September, 7pm for 7.30pm Bergh Apton Village Hall Management Committee presents Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window. Professional photographer L. B. “Jeff” Jeffries breaks his leg whilst getting an action shot at an auto race. Confined to his New York apartment, he spends his time looking out of the rear window observing neighbours. He begins to suspect that a man across the courtyard may have murdered his wife. Jeff enlists the help of his high society fashion-consultant girlfriend Lisa Freemont and his visiting nurse Stella to investigate. The film stars Jimmy Stewart, who was stationed in Norfolk during WWII, when he flew for the 445th and 453rd Bombardment Groups. (112 mins). Refreshments available. £4.50; booking advisable. 01508 480439. This event is part of ‘Across the Pond’ American film festival, organised by South Norfolk Council and Creative Arts East.

Dance Before Dark with Jonathan Wyatt Big Band and Singers. The Talk, Norwich. 16 September, 3pm (last dance 5.30pm) Spin, twirl, twist and jive the Autumn afternoon away with this popular Norfolk-based Big Band, while remembering the Battle of Britain. You will be transported back to the 1940s and 50s when musical masters such as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and Count Basie were top of the hit parade and artistes such as Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin headlined the bill boards. It’s an afternoon for all ages and dancing isn’t compulsory. This authentic Big Band tea dance forms part of The Jonathan Wyatt Big Band’s 25 year celebrations. £12.50; booking advisable Tickets: Theatre Royal Norwich (01603 630000) / Dixons Shopping Centre, Reepham Road, Norwich / The Talk (01603 660220) /Jonathan Wyatt (01603 716718) / Cliff Meachen (01603 424926) Rebecca . Long Stratton Village Hall, Long Stratton. 17 September, 1pm for 1.30pm A shy lady’s companion staying in Monte Carlo with her stuffy employer meets the wealthy Maxim de Winter. She and Max fall in love, marry, and return to Manderley, his large country estate in Cornwall. However, Max is still troubled by the death of his first wife, Rebecca, in a boating accident the year before, and the second Mrs. de Winter clashes with the housekeeper, Mrs Danvers, discovering that Rebecca still has a strange hold on everyone at Manderley. Rebecca was directed by Alfred Hitchcock, who gained success in both silent films and the talkies in the UK and USA. Hitchcock became an American citizen in 1955, but remained a British subject, gaining a knighthood in 1980. The event will include a raffle. (130 mins). £5; booking advisable. Admission includes drink and cake. 01508 530569. This event is part of ‘Across the Pond’ American film festival, organised by South Norfolk Council and Creative Arts East.

Cedric Watson Trio. Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich. 17 September, 8pm Texan fiddler, vocalist, accordionist and songwriter Cedric Watson delights audiences with a fresh approach to Cajun and Creole music. £12; £10 concessions (seated). www.norwichartscentre.co.uk

Harriet Martineau: Norwich Radical in America, 1834-5. Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library, Norwich. 18 September, 6.30pm Norwich Arts Centre Director Stuart Hobday follows Norwich-born 19th century author Harriet Martineau’s journey around America and analyses her influential writing. Free. 01603 774740.

Overpaid, Oversexed and Over Here . Geldeston Village Hall, Geldeston. 19 September, 7.30pm It is 1942: The US Army Air Force has ‘invaded’ England, bringing jeeps, gum, candy and nylons. Charming and friendly, the GIs quickly become part of the local scene. Using many now forgotten airfields, these visitors from across the Atlantic brought not just their bravery, but many cultural changes with them. This endearing film brings the sense of excitement that came with these young men and remembers the ultimate sacrifice that many of them made. (55 mins). Hearing loop available. £4; booking advisable. 07973 678501. This event is part of ‘Across the Pond’ American film festival, organised by South Norfolk Council and Creative Arts East.

1940s Hair and Makeup Demonstration. Hunstanton Library, Hunstanton. 20 September, 1 – 3pm A chance to find out about (or relive) the style of the 1940s, plus an opportunity to have a go at the look yourself. Refreshments provided. Free; booking essential. 01485 532280. More information from the library, or visit http://www.historicalsauces.com Click here to download a flyer for the event.

Pocahontas . Thurton C of E Primary School, Thurton. 21 September, 4.30pm Thurton Film Group presents Pocahontas. Captain John Smith leads a rag-tag band of English sailors and soldiers to the New World to plunder its riches for England (or, more precisely, for Governor Radcliffe). Meanwhile, in this ‘New World’, Chief Powhatan has pledged his daughter, Pocahontas, to be married to the village’s greatest warrior. Pocahontas, however, has other ideas. She has seen a vision of a spinning arrow, a vision she believes tells her change is coming. Her life does indeed change when the English ship lands near her village. Between Ratcliffe, who believes the “savages” are hiding the gold he expected to be plentiful, and Powhatan, who believes these newcomers will destroy their land, Smith and Pocahontas have a difficult time preventing all-out war, and saving their love for each other. This film is loosely based on the real-life story of Pocahontas and John Smith of King’s Lynn. Pocahontas went on to marry John Rolfe of Heacham Hall, and bore him a son, Thomas. (81 mins). £3 in advance; £4 on the door. 01508 480335. This event is part of ‘Across the Pond’ American film festival, organised by South Norfolk Council and Creative Arts East.

A Hard Day’s Night . Thurton C of E Primary School, Thurton. 21 September, 6.30pm for 7 Thurton Film Group presents A Hard Day’s Night. The Beatles travel from their home town of to to perform in a television broadcast. Escaping a hoarde of fans, they board a train and try to relax, but along the way various interruptions test their patience. Upon arrival, they must rescue Paul’s unconventional grandfather from various misadventures, and drummer Ringo goes missing just before the crucial concert. The film is in the style of a ‘mockumentary’, depicting a couple of days in the lives of the group. The Beatles gained popularity in the UK in late 1962 after the release of their first single, Love Me Do . By early 1964, they had become international stars, leading the ‘British Invasion’ of the US pop market. (87 mins). £3 in advance; £4 on the door. 01508 480335. This event is part of ‘Across the Pond’ American film festival, organised by South Norfolk Council and Creative Arts East.

Catching Dreams with Pocahontas. Wymondham Library, Wymondham. 22 September, 10.30 - 12noon Learn about Princess Pocahontas and her links with Norfolk, and craft your very own Native American dreamcatcher! Suitable for children aged 7 -12. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Free; booking advisable. 01953 603319.

Researching your American Family History. Training Room. Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library, Norwich. 25 September, 5.30pm Discover how to trace your American ancestors using US and UK genealogical records. Free. Booking advisable. 01603 774740.

The Philadelphia Story . Geldeston Village Hall, Geldeston. 26 September, 2pm Philadelphia heiress Tracy Lord throws out her playboy husband C. K. Dexter Haven shortly after their marriage. Two years later, Tracy is about to marry the respectable George Kittredge, whilst Dexter has been working for “Spy” magazine. Dexter arrives at the Lord’s mansion the day before the wedding with writer Mike Connor and photographer Liz Imbrie, determined to spoil things. The film stars Cary Grant, who performed as a stilt walker in a stage troupe under his birth name ’Archie Leach’ at the Norwich Hippodrome aged just 12 years old. It also stars James Stewart, who was stationed in Norfolk with the USAAF during WWII. (112 mins). Hearing loop available. £4; booking advisable. 07973 678501 This event is part of ‘Across the Pond’ American film festival, organised by South Norfolk Council and Creative Arts East.

Henry Ainsworth’s Book of Psalms and the Plymouth and Massachusetts Colonies. Dereham Library, Dereham. 26 September, 7.30pm David Stone tells the fascinating story of Hebrew scholar and Separatist reformer Henry Ainsworth of Swanton Morley, whose Book of Psalms was widely used in the Plymouth Colony. £1. Booking advisable. 01362 693184.

The Diamond ‘Lil’ Homecoming. 2nd Air Division Memorial Library, Norwich. 27 September, 2.30 – 3.30pm Join David Hastings MBE for a talk about the 1992 historic flight of a B-24 Liberator from Fort Worth to Norwich. Free. Booking advisable. 01603 774747. [email protected]

Twelve O’Clock High . Swardeston Village Hall, Swardeston. 30 September, 6.30pm for 7 Swardeston Live presents Twelve O’Clock High. Based on the book of the same name, this film tells the story of aircrews in the United States 8th Army Air Force who flew missions against Nazi Germany and occupied France during WWII. The winner of two Oscars, in 1998, the film was selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. (Text from Wikipedia ). (132 mins). A licensed bar will be available. £2.50; tickets on the door. This event is part of ‘Across the Pond’ American film festival, organised by South Norfolk Council and Creative Arts East.

October

Toilet Bowls and Tree Graffiti: Attlebridge Airfield. 2nd Air Division Memorial Library, Norwich. 2 October, 6.30 – 7.30pm County Archaeologist David Gurney uses a surprising range of surviving archaeology to tell the story of Attlebridge Airfield (USAAF Station 120). Free. Booking advisable. 01603 774747. [email protected]

Wartime Norfolk from the Air. Watton Library, Watton. 3 October, 2 – 3pm To mark the 70th anniversary of the “Friendly Invasion” this illustrated talk uses photographs from the collections of the Norfolk Air Photo Library to illustrate the county’s wartime landscape. Subjects to be covered include the “Coastal Crust”, urban defences and particularly the British and American Airfields which were built as a part of the war effort. Free; booking advisable 01953 881 671

The Way To The Stars . Shotesham Trinity Hall, Shotesham. 5 October, 7.15pm Shotesham Village Association presents The Way To The Stars. A depiction of life on a British bomber base, and the surrounding towns, from the start of the Battle of Britain, to the arrival of the Americans. Pilot Officer Peter Penrose, fresh out of a training unit, joins the squadron, and quickly discovers about life during war time. He falls for Iris, a young girl who lives at the local hotel, but he becomes disillusioned about marriage when the squadron commander dies in a raid, and leaves his wife with a young son to bring up. As the war progresses, Penrose comes to terms with the fact he has survived, while others have been killed. The film, released in 1945, was a tribute to the American airman who had given their lives for the war effort. (87 mins). The film, which commences at 8.15pm, will be preceded by a discussion. Refreshments available. £4; booking advisable. 01508 550122. This event is part of ‘Across the Pond’ American film festival, organised by South Norfolk Council and Creative Arts East.

Back in Time. Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library, Norwich. 6 October, 10am – 5pm We’re going back in time to the 1940s and 50s at the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library! Come along to watch our ‘make do and mend’ demonstration, take part in a tea dance, handle 1940s and 50s clothes and see exhibitions and displays! This event is also part of International Older People’s Day . All ages welcome. Everyone is very welcome to come in 1940s/50s clothing if you wish! Free. 07789 282236.

American Connections Celebration Dinner Commemorating the Transatlantic Crossing from New York, Landing at Pulham, by the R34 Airship. The Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St Mary (nr Diss). 6 October, 6.30 for 7pm Enjoy a dinner based on the celebratory feast that took place in Pulham to mark the transatlantic crossing from New York to Pulham by the R34 airship, then jive the night away with live retro swing band Lena Black and The Uptown Playboys. £20. Booking essential. 01379 676660.

In The Mood, with a Tribute to Glenn Miller. Pavilion Theatre, Gorleston. 6 October, 7.30 – approx. 10pm Popular Norfolk-based Jonathan Wyatt Big Band pay tribute to the great bandleader, Glenn Miller, performing classics such as ‘Little Brown Jug’, ‘Caribbean Clipper’, ‘In The Mood’, ‘Pennsylvania 65000′, ‘Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree’, ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’ and ‘Kalamazoo’. The band will be joined by special guest vocalist John Miller, Glenn Miller’s nephew (who currently fronts The John Miller Orchestra ). Talented JWBB vocalist Lindsey Ball will also perform. This very special event is part of The Jonathan Wyatt Big Band’s 25 year celebrations. £14; booking advisable 01493 662832.

Captain Vancouver. Lynn Museum, King’s Lynn. 10 October, 2.30 – 3.30pm Illustrated talk by Bryan Howling on Captain Vancouver. £3; free for Museums Pass holders and Friends. Booking essential. 01553 775001.

Memphis Belle . Marlingford Village Hall, Marlingford. 13 October, 7pm for 7.30 It’s May 17, 1943; the day before the Memphis Belle’s, a B-17 bomber, 25th and final mission. After their final mission, they crew of ten men get to go home. Since they would be the first crew to finish all 25 missions in the 8th Air Force, there were already plans to make the 10-man crew big stars back home for the war effort. But the mission hadn’t been flown yet. With the target being Bremen (not Dresden), which was a target heavy in surface-to-air artillery, the flak wouldn’t be easy to get through. With weather, nerves, and dreams all playing a part in the finishing of the mission, the crew has to become the lead plane in the squadron and get the job done of bombing a Nazi supply factory, if they get it wrong, many innocent people could be killed. (Text from IMDB ). (110 mins). £4.99; booking advisable. 01603 880479. This event is part of ‘Across the Pond’ American film festival, organised by South Norfolk Council and Creative Arts East.

Griston Archive Group Exhibition – The Friendly Invasion. Manorcourt Day Centre, Griston. 14 October, 10am – 4pm Discover more about the American Friendly Invasion of Griston village during WWII, and the ‘township’ that was built to house them and their work areas. Free.

Captain Vancouver Family Activity Day. Lynn Museum, King’s Lynn. 20 October, 11am – 2pm Meet Captain Vancouver! Find out about his childhood in Lynn, how he escaped death with Captain Cook, and why Vancouver in Canada is named after him. Free. 01553 775001.

Linkin’ Lincoln with Norfolk. Hingham Library, Hingham. 30 October, 10 – 11.30am Hear the story of Abraham Lincoln’s life and learn about his Norfolk ancestors. Create an American flag and write your own presidential proclamation. Suitable for children aged 7 – 12. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Booking advisable. 01953 850621.

The Big Draw – American Dreams. Hethel Engineering Centre, Hethel. 30 October, 10am – 12noon and 1 – 3pm South Norfolk Council welcomes families to come along and take part in two inspiring American-themed activities. Design your own ‘aircraft nose art’, taking inspiration from USAAF aeroplanes, and make Native American Dreamcatchers. There will be an opportunity to visit the neighbouring 389th Bomb Group Memorial Exhibition, a museum housing memorabilia of the contribution during WWII by the American Air Force. Suitable for ages 4 years and up. Under 12s must be supervised. Free. www.south-norfolk.gov.uk You can download a flyer for this event here .

Wild West Day. South Norfolk. 31 October. Journey back to the Wild West, with exciting hands-on activities for all the family. www.south-norfolk.gov.uk Catching Dreams with Pocahontas. Attleborough Library, Attleborough. 31 October, 2 – 3.30pm Learn about Princess Pocahontas and her links with Norfolk, and craft your very own Native American dreamcatcher! Suitable for children aged 7 – 12. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Free; booking essential. 01953 452319.

November

How Norfolk Got the Groove. Cromer Library, Cromer. 1 November, 6.30 – 8pm Norfolk and Norwich were amongst the first parts of Britain to hear the blues, as American airmen came to the region during WWII. Local musicians who were there tell their story of how the hard-rocking R&B black American culture influenced them. This event is also part of Black History Month , and the Cromer event is also part of the annual COAST Festival (Cromer and Sheringham Arts Festival). Donations welcome. 01263 512850. [email protected] .

Tom Paine Family Activity Day. Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life, Thetford. 2 November, 11am – 2pm Meet Thomas Paine, try writing with a quill pen, handle real 18th century objects and learn how to cook some 18th century recipes. Free. 01842 752599.

Tom Paine Family Activity Day. Thetford Library, Thetford. 2 November, 2.30 – 4.30pm Discover the inventiveness of Thomas Paine with a bridge-building challenge. Event run in partnership with Ancient House Museum and supported by the Charles Burrell Museum. Free. Booking advisable. 01842 752048.

2nd Air Division Memorial Library 2012 Autumn Lecture Series. 2nd Air Division Memorial Library, Norwich. All lectures take place from 6.30 – 7.30pm. The annual lecture series on American life and culture looks at Norfolk’s historical links with North America:

 6 November – From Alaska to the : The volunteer guides from the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.  13 November – Legacy of the Mighty Eighth in East Anglia : Dr Sam Edwards, Manchester Metropolitan University.  20 November – Ribbons across the Atlantic, Blankets across the Ocean: Spinning Transatlantic Connections, 1600 – 1800: Professor Geoffrey Plank, University of East Anglia.  27 November – Pocahontas: Making of a Norfolk Gentlewoman: Professor Malcolm Gaskill, University of East Anglia.

Free. Booking advisable. 01603 774747. [email protected]

The First Fortresses: The Boeing B-17 ′s deadly combat debut with the Royal Air Force. Reepham Library, Reepham. 9 November, 11.30am Join local historian Hadrian Jeffs for a look into this fascinating aspect of Norfolk’s aviation and military history. 01603 870474.

Family Sunday: Norfolk’s American Connections. Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library, Norwich. 11 November. Enjoy a fun day of hands-on activities, an American trail and interactive tours of the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library. Free. 01603 774774. Hot Club of Cowtown. Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich. 14 November, 8.30pm From the bright lights of the Grand Ol’ Opry to the UK’s Glastonbury and Festivals and appearances on ‘Later…with Jools Holland’, The Hot Club of Cowtown present a breathtaking live show. £15; £12 concessions. www.norwichartscentre.co.uk

Yankee Doodle Dandy . Regal Cinema, Wymondham. 18 November, 2.30pm Enjoy a screening of this morale-boosting WWII musical, along with a short film of Hollywood stars visiting Norfolk in WWII, and an exhibition of rare Hollywood postcards and memorabilia. £5; £4 concessions (under 16s and 60+). Booking advisable. 01953 605593 / 01953 603246. Tickets also available from Simply Cards, Market Street, Wymondham.

American Folk Music Day. Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library, Norwich. 20 November (TBC) Enjoy sacred harp (traditional choral music) singing and demonstrations with the Norfolk and Norwich Sacred Harp Singers, a performance by American singer Cath Tyler, and bluegrass workshops with local band The Broad Cut Drifters.

Jazz in the Library. Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library, Norwich. 22 November, time TBC Celebrate Thanksgiving with a live jazz band in the library. Free. 01603 774774.

How Norfolk Got the Groove. North Walsham Library, North Walsham. 24 November, 3 -4.30pm Norfolk and Norwich were amongst the first parts of Britain to hear the blues, as American airmen came to the region during WWII. Local musicians who were there tell their story of how the hard-rocking R&B black American culture influenced them. This event is also part of Black History Month . Donations welcome. 01263 512850. [email protected] .

How Norfolk Got the Groove. Stalham Library, Stalham. 25 November, 6.30 – 8pm Norfolk and Norwich were amongst the first parts of Britain to hear the blues, as American airmen came to the region during WWII. Local musicians who were there tell their story of how the hard-rocking R&B black American culture influenced them. This event is also part of Black History Month . Donations welcome. 01263 512850. [email protected] .

American Music Evening with Seastar Opera. Hindringham Methodist Church, Hindringham. 26 November, 7.30pm Explore the interface between American and English music through historical commentary and musical performances. www.selfmademusic.co.uk

Temporary Exhibitions

Norfolk’s American Connections. The Archive Centre, Norwich. 6 July – 29 September. Discover the many, and unusual, links between Norfolk and North America in this unique exhibition created especially for the Norfolk’s American Connections project. Mon, Wed, Thurs and Fri, 9am – 5pm; Tue, 9.30am – 5pm; Sat, 9am – 12noon. Free. 01603 222599.

Connecting People Touring Exhibition. Venues across Norfolk. 1 July – 31 December. A pop-up exhibition of fascinating historical links between Norfolk and North America, including Abraham Lincoln, Captain Vancouver, Thomas Paine, and the Friendly Invasion. Designed by school pupils from Norfolk and the USAF base schools with Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service, the exhibition will be touring the county until the end of December. 07789282236 (for touring exhibition venues).

The Story of the Americans around Wymondham, 1942-5. Wymondham Heritage Museum, Wymondham. 1 March – 31 October Display includes photos, memories and memorabilia from the bases at Hethel, Deopham and Old Buckenham; the hospital at Morley; D-Day and Wymondham station. Mon – Sat, 10am – 4pm. Normal museum prices apply. 01953 600205.

The American Trail. Diss Museum, Diss. Mid-March – 31 October. Discover the story of three local airfields – Thorpe Abbotts, Horham and Knettishall. Wed and Thurs, 2pm – 4pm; Fri and Sat, 10.30am – 4pm; Sun (May – August), 2.30 – 4.30pm. Free. 01379 650618.

RAF Sculthorpe – Norfolk’s Little America. Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History, Fakenham. 2 June – 30 November The story of Sculthorpe airfield and the USAAF and RAF stations based there. Thurs and Sat, 10.30am – 3.30pm (2 June – 29 September); Thurs am (30 Sep – 30 Nov). Free. 01328 863150.

Future Radio Norfolk’s American Connections Podcast. Discover the background to the Norfolk’s American Connections project, plans for the future, and some of the major historical links between Norfolk and North America with Future Radio’s brand new podcast, made especially for the Norfolk’s American Connections project. Available online from August. www.futureradio.co.uk

The Friendly Invasion and the Home Front. Norfolk Tank Museum, Forncett St Peter. Mid-August – October. Discover how American serviceman affected the local population during their stay in WWII. August – Sat and Sun, 10am – 5pm; Sept and Oct – 1st and 3rd Sundays, 10am – 5pm. £5; accompanied children under 14 free. www.norfolktankmuseum.co.uk . 07703337714.