A dive into our Collections

As part of Buckinghamshire History Festival help us bring to life and record our early collections

On Thursday 9th November we welcomed visitors to the National Paralympic Heritage Centre

In 1948 Stoke Mandeville hosted the first Stoke Mandeville Games with 16 injured service personnel. In 1952 the first International Stoke Mandeville Games took place and in 1960 the first Paralympic Games took place in Rome. This was the vision of Dr Guttmann, the Father of the Paralympic Movement, who introduced sport as rehabilitation and was determined to see the Paralympic Games run alongside the Olympics. To realise this vision, Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann had the support of doctors, nurses, hospital staff and the local community, without their help the Games would not have been a success. 

With the Buckinghamshire community being integral to the Games there is so much local knowledge and history. We are inviting those with links to the early Paralympic Games to come and help us uncover our unique and exciting collection. 

You might have been/or know an athlete, supported a family member, worked at the hospital, or attended the Games.  

Whatever your involvement we would be delighted to welcome you to the National Paralympic Heritage Centre to hear your memories. Buckinghamshire Archives and our team will be on hand to record your story. 

There will be a display of some photographs from the NPHT and WheelPower collections. Can you recognise anyone in the photo? Do you remember where the photo was taken? What event was happening? 

Stoke Mandeville Games in the early 1960s

Our learning team will also be on hand on the day to share some recent additions to our collections including the Finmere Show, 1984 Games and more. You will have the opportunity to enjoy short tours and download our new Heritage Trail App!