Today, we honour the veterans of the Paralympic Movement, and remember their comrades who never returned home. Post WW2 Stoke Mandeville Hospital was home to veterans and civilians with spinal cord injuries. In 1948, they faced veterans from the Star & Garter Home at the 1st Stoke Mandeville Games.

We teamed up with Mitsubishi Corporation London Branch, Paralympians and consultants, to co-create sensory descriptions for items in the Japan Gallery of our Global Virtual Museum, helping blind and partially sighted visitors to experience each object. 💫 🏛️🎓♿

🚨 We're delighted to welcome two-time Paralympic medallist Krysten Coombs as the next speaker in our 'Meet the Paralympian' event series! 📅 Join us on Friday 5th December, as Krysten reflects on his incredible badminton career so far. Places are FREE: paralympicheritage.org.uk/Pages/Events/ 🏛️🎓♿

Thank you Heart of Bucks! 💜 We welcomed the High Sheriff of Bucks, Pippa Kirkbride, and the Heart of Bucks team to our Heritage Centre and were thrilled to receive a certificate recognising our charitable services to the county. 🏛️🎓♿ For more visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/a-visit...

Join us at our Heritage Centre this Saturday, as part of Stoke Mandeville Stadium's Big Open Weekend! 🏛️🎓 We'll be running FREE boccia drop-in sessions: *09:00-10:00 SEND families *10:00-12:00 general public To learn more about #boccia beforehand, visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/boccia ♿

5 months to go!❄️ The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will mark 50yrs since the first Paralympic Winter Games! Hackney-born Mike Brace, was selected as one of just six skiers on the British team! 🎿 Find out more about Mike here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/mike-brace 🏛️🎓♿

📢 Celebrating 10rs of the National Paralympic Heritage Trust! To our incredible community of Paralympians, partners, funders & friends - thank you. We can't wait to see what we’ll achieve together in the next 10yrs and beyond. More here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/celebra... 🏛️🎓♿

In May 2023, our archives consisted of 104 collections, each one varying from just one item to hundreds of items. 2 years on, that's grown to 155 collections - an increase of 50% of what we'd acquired in our first 6 to 7 years - and forever growing! 🏛️🎓

The NPHT is proud to champion truly inclusive workplaces. In 2023, we launched our 'becoming seamlessly inclusive' strategy which included a programme which sought to address a distinct lack of employment opportunities for disabled people in our local area. ♿ #ParalympicHeritage #NIW2025 🏛️🎓

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Philip Lewis MBE, a true pioneer in Paralympic sport and a lifelong advocate for disability inclusion. Our thoughts are with his family. Read our full tribute to Philip’s remarkable life here: 👉 www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/philip-...

#OnThisDay in 2012, the @paralympicsgb.bsky.social mixed coxed four brought home gold at Dorney. Adaptive rower Naomi Riches MBE shared her incredible memories of race day here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/naomi-riches #Rowing #Paralympics @britishrowing.bsky.social @britishblindsport.org.uk

The London 2012 Paralympics opened #OnThisDay 13 years ago, in the stadium which would stage so many unforgettable moments! Here, Eva Loeffler describes the atmosphere when Jonnie Peacock raced in the Men's T44 100m final. Full oral history here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/oral-history... ♿🏛️🎓

👑 A Royal Telegram 👑 Joan Scruton's contribution to the Paralympic Movement is clear and her decades of dedication didn’t go unnoticed. On 19 April 1988, hearing of her retirement, the then Prince Charles sent Joan a personal telegram (pictured). More amazing items to come! #MuseumCollection ♿🏛️🎓

Our volunteers are vital to the work we do. Volunteer Helen says: "I love having the chance to encourage interest in local history and...show why & how we can help everyone to feel accepted, valued and safe." Read her story at: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/volunteer-stories-part-2 ♿🏛️🎓

It's #SportandFashion month so we thought we'd share some amazing photos from the Winter Paralympics in 1992. These are preserved in our archive for future generations to marvel at. From just one quick look at these garish patterns and bright colours you could have worked out the year immediately.

#OnThisDay in 1996, the Atlanta Paralympics were underway and @paralympicsgb.bsky.social Marc Woods took a bronze and two silver medals in the swimming pool! In an oral history, Marc told us how he overcame nerves to succeed! 🎧 Listen in full here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/oral-history... ♿🏛️🎓

1 year ago we launched the Disability Sports Catalogue with @bucksarchives.bsky.social, ‘a huge milestone for Paralympic heritage’ said Natalia Dannenberg-Spreier of @paralympics.org.♿🏛️🎓 Explore the 35,000 items now searchable online: archives.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/disabilitysp... #OnThisDay

📢 We’re Hiring! 📢 Role: Learning Consultant 🏛️🎓 Aim: To develop an accessible, curriculum-based, KS2 resource for our Global Virtual Museum. Project Dates: Sept to Nov Budget: £1,200 Apply by: Friday 29th August 2025 For more info & to apply, visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/learnin...

Sailing was first included in the 1996 Atlanta @paralympics.org as a demonstration sport. Mike Hendra, pictured here towards the stern, was one of the athletes. ⛵ A lack of worldwide sailing participation has seen it omitted from recent Games, but hopes are that it could make a return in 2032. ♿🏛️🎓

#OnThisDay in 1984, the Paralympic Games came to a close at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. The British team was made up of 156 men & 68 women, winning a total of 107 Gold, 112 Silver and 112 Bronze medals. For more about the 1984 Paralympics: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/stoke-mandev... #MuseumEd ♿

Check out our new animated logo - courtesy of Andy Scott at PhotoHello (photohello.co.uk). Based locally, Andy offers photo and video services and very kindly carried out this work for us pro bono. Thanks Andy - we love it! 💛 Thanks to Rachel Gadsden for her original design!

We're delighted to share that our Collections Engagement Officer Dr. @sambrady.bsky.social has been awarded the 2025 @socialhistory.bsky.social Pamela Cox Public History Prize for the 'Story of the Games' - his very first public exhibition. 🏆 Well done Sam! 👏 ♿🏛️🎓

Thanks for sharing in some of our favourite moments from the last 10 years. 💛 A big thank you to all of you who've supported us over the years.🙏 Here's a few pics from our birthday celebrations - a fitting tribute to a decade well done! 🎂 #ThankYou #NPHT10Years ♿🏛️🎓

Disability Sports Catalogue ♿🏛️🎓 In 2024, we teamed up with @bucksarchives.bsky.social to make over 30,000 records accessible online, a treasure trove of stories and collections from the early days of the Paralympic Movement. archives.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/disabilitysp... But that’s not all...

One of our proudest achievements, has been the journey to diversify the workforce. Since 2023, we've supported nine people on work placements and four, paid part-time trainees, enhancing skills in collections care, curation, photogrammetry, accessibility & more! More to come! #NPHT10Years ♿🏛️🎓

Our Museum Trainee Simon shares some of the interesting insights he gained when interviewing Paralympian Jayant Mistry, as part of the 'Don't Dis My Ability' oral history project. 🎥 For the full video, head over to our YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQID... #NPHT10Years ♿🏛️🎓

In Jan 2024, we launched the 'Don't Dis My Ability' Project - an oral history pilot which sought to recruit and train disabled oral historians, and amplify the voices of disabled athletes. 💪🎤 Find 16 new oral histories & read more at: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/oral-history #NPHT10Years ♿🏛️🎓

At our 10th birthday our guests cast their vote for a new Paralympic item to be added to our displays! 1️⃣ Dina Murdie BEM's goalball referee top from London 2012 2️⃣ Dave Clarke OBE's signed blind football 3️⃣ Mike Brace CBE's red sweatshirt from Seoul 1988 🎥 Watch to find out the winner! #MuseumEd ♿

Today we look back at Sept 2023, when the NPHT team won the Bucks Business First 'Digital Innovation' Award. 🏆 📺 Here's why we were nominated: www.youtube.com/watch?v=l09z... 📍Explore the 'Digital Explorations Museum' at: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/pages/catego... #NPHT10Years #MuseumEd ♿

🌍 Day 5 of our #NPHT10Years lookback takes us to the launch of the Global Virtual Museum in July 2024! Now anyone, anywhere can explore the rich history of the Paralympics, from its grassroots beginnings to its international growth and the Games we know today! 🏅✨ #MuseumEd ♿

In March 2019, we proudly opened the National Paralympic Heritage Centre to the public! We celebrated with a memorable few days at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, and the ribbon was cut by Sir Philip Craven, Eva Loeffler, and Dr Guttmann’s great-grandchildren. #MuseumEd ♿ #NPHT10Years

🎉 On 28 March 2018 the NPHT website went live, helping us to share Paralympic heritage with the world! 🌍 Our aim was to create a digital space that’s inclusive and accessible. 📢 Please visit and let us know how we can improve it for you! www.paralympicheritage.org.uk #NPHT10Years #MuseumEd ♿

⭐ Today we look back at our very first regional exhibition! ⭐ 📍 In March 2018 we opened our doors at the stunning @norwichcathedral.bsky.social. With the support of local volunteers, organisations, access consultants & creatives we brought powerful Paralympic stories to Norfolk. #MuseumEd ♿

⭐️ We're 10 years old - what a journey so far! ⭐️ Here's a message from our CEO Vicky, to all of you who've been with us along the way! Over the next 10 days we'll be sharing some of our favourite moments, and we'd love for you to share yours too! Get involved at #NPHT10Years #MuseumEd ♿

#OnThisDay in 2015, the National Paralympic Heritage Trust was established 💫 Inspired by the incredible legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, a passionate group of individuals came together to preserve a Paralympic heritage which had been scattered across organisations in Bucks. #NPHT10Years

'I was told I was too disabled to be successful in sport' shared 3-time Paralympic Champ David Smith, at our 'Meet the Paralympian' event. He then became the most successful boccia player of all time! Hearing David's successes, students asked about boccia, medals & buttons on his car. ♿ #MuseumEd

🎉 1yr ago today, we launched the NPHT Global Virtual Museum, sharing the powerful history of the Paralympic Movement with the world 🌍 📢 Explore our original galleries now - and watch this space for 3 new galleries soon to be unveiled! 👀 www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/global-virtu... ♿ #MuseumEd

We're in the @gem.org.uk magazine: 'Career Pathways in Museums' Find our case study: 'Diversifying the Workforce', focussing on opportunities for disabled & neurodiverse people, through placements & traineeships #MuseumEd Read about the aims, obstacles & outcomes on p22! gem.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Have you seen the new #TyneAndWear Metro carriages? Open Lab research group in @computingnewcastle.bsky.social partnered on the #MetroFutures project to involve citizens in the design, ensuring accessibility, safety, comfort and space for all. Read more: tinyurl.com/4dxhkttx

It's #RefugeeWeek and we've been thinking about the theme 'Community as a Superpower'. Here, our CEO Vicky Hope-Walker talks about an interesting item from our NSIC display, a booklet entitled 'The Contribution of the Refugees', which was printed in the 1940s. #MuseumEd #Collections ♿

🥇 Join us at our popular 'Meet the Paralympian' event & hear from 3-time Paralympic champion David Smith OBE 🗓 Fri 4th July 📍 Online 🎟 FREE Two sessions: ⏰ 11am Schools & home-ed (KS1-3) ⏰ 1pm Schools (KS4+), universities & adults Book here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Pages/Events ♿ #MuseumEd

🚨 Join our DICE Club Business Breakfast and hear from Erin Kennedy OBE, gold medal-winning British Paralympic coxswain 🚨 🗓 Thurs 5th June ⏰ 8-10am 📍 Dux Advisory, Aylesbury 🎟 FREE for DICE Club members | £14 for non-members Tickets here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Event/dice-c... ♿ #MuseumEd

📢 Hiring Now - Project Archivist! Project: 'Jean Stone Collection: celebrating influential women in the Paralympic Movement' ♿ 🗓️ Contract Date: Jun 2025 – Jan 2026 (8 months) 📝 Closing Date: Fri 30th May 2025 #MuseumEd 💻 For details & to apply, visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/project...

On National #NursesDay we are celebrating the nursing staff, past and present who've been an integral part of the Paralympic Movement from its very beginning. Among them, were Jimmy and Mary Brennan, who offered full-time first aid during the International Stoke Mandeville Games. 1/2 #MuseumEd ♿

🎉 #OnThisDay VE Day 1945 🎉 📸 This rare photo, shows Sheila Ryan, a nurse at Stoke Mandeville, walking beside a patient & companion. They joined hundreds for a service of thanksgiving in Aylesbury Market Square. You can make out servicemen's boots and a crowd. #VEDay80 #NursesWeek2025 ♿ #MuseumEd

🙌 Join us in marking #LocalHistoryMonth, by downloading the FREE Paralympic Heritage Trail app! www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/paralympic-h... If you're not local to Aylesbury then don't worry, you can access the trail remotely! 👀 Here's a sneak peak at Stop 4... #MuseumEd ♿ @histassoc.bsky.social

What a brilliant image from the 1986 #LondonMarathon! Here's a #FunFact - The top 10 male finishers in the wheelchair race & top 4 female athletes, were all from the UK & Ireland. ♿ Welsh Paralympian Chris Hallam came 3rd, pictured here with John Harris. www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/chris-hallam

Time for another #MuseumCollection find...🏅 an archery medal won by Paralympian Wilma Anic. ♿🏹 Is there a story in the scratches? Perhaps from extensive wear or handling - or jostling for space among the many medals she earned! For more about Wilma, visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/wilma-anic

Join us at our next DICE Club Business Breakfast, where you'll have the chance to hear from one of Great Britain's most decorated coxswains🏅 Erin's story will challenge us to rethink what makes a truly great team - and a truly great teammate! Visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Event/dice-c... ♿

Today, Collections Officer Sam and Museum Trainee Simon, re-installed our @britishblindsport.org.uk display over at the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, bringing the history of the NDSO to hospital visitors in celebration of their 50th year! #MuseumEd ♿