National Donut Day started in 1938 as a fundraiser for Chicago’s Salvation Army. Their goal was to help the needy during the Great Depression, and to honour The Salvation Army “Lassies” who had served donuts to soldiers during World War I and would continue to so when American troops were sent to Europe to fight in World World II.
On Saturday 8 June the American Museum is celebrating Donut Day with a World War II-themed event for the whole family. Visitors are invited to come along in 1940s dress, sample a free donut and find out more about the history of this unusual American tradition.
Re-enactors from Home Front Histories will take over the grounds of the American Museum and impersonate WWII characters including Red Cross volunteers and American Army personnel. Visitors should keep their eyes peeled for General Omar Bradley, the US Army General who commanded all the US ground forces invading Germany from the West during the Second World War. There will also be military vehicles of the period on display.
1940s dance specialists Hoppin’ Mad will be on hand to teach visitors of all ages to Lindy Hop. Dance workshops, performances and demonstrations will take place throughout the afternoon. No experience necessary
Admission to the event is included in the Gardens Only admission ticket:
Adult £5.50; over 60s and students £4.50; child (5-16) £3.50
The American Museum in Britain, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011, aims to inform its visitors about the cultural history of the United States to strengthen relations between the two countries. It contains over 15,000 items devoted to the decorative arts ofAmerica: fancy gowns and Shaker furniture, an extensive collection of native folk art, important holdings of early maps charting the discovery and exploration of the Americas, and one of the largest and finest quilt collections in the entire world.
