Wings to the Past

Wings to the Past started in 2019, the programme uses archaeology and heritage to offer military personnel and their families the chance to spend ’quality time’ doing something interesting, and in many cases new, doing this together with other Service personnel, the community and when undertaking our projects as a family, connect as a family. The projects offer a chance to be part of a group of personnel, also to make memories and learn new skills. Wings to the Past hopes to develop links with the wider community through community engagement. In 2024 Wings to the Past expanded the programme to include Service personnel from all 3 Services and also personnel up to 1 year post exit, this recognises the challenges of transition to civilian life. Archaeology has been shown to support resilience amongst veterans and Wings to the Past builds on this by seeking to support the military family by offering opportunities to work together on archaeological and heritage projects. Wings to the past also hopes to develop a better understanding of this link between resilience and involvement in archaeology and heritage projects.