The Liberation Trail

As Guernsey marks the 80th anniversary of its Liberation from German Occupation, a special experience has been launched to honour this defining chapter in the island’s story. 

The Liberation Trail – which has been created in collaboration with a wide range of cultural and heritage partners - invites islanders and visitors to immerse themselves in the stories of those who endured, resisted, and ultimately rejoiced as freedom returned to Guernsey’s shores. 

The commemorative Liberation Trail winds through the heart of St. Peter Port, revealing the island’s journey from wartime hardship to hope, resilience, and recovery. Through nine unique displays, located at key cultural and historical sites, those undertaking the trail can explore personal stories, historical artifacts and rarely seen photographs that bring the era vividly to life.

The Liberation Trail has been made possible through a collaboration between Guernsey Museum, Island Archives, the Guille-Allès Library, the Priaulx Library, Guernsey Arts, the Royal Court, and local historian Marco Tersigni, who together have crafted a compelling tribute to Guernsey’s wartime experience.

To help guide the journey, an illustrated Liberation Trail map highlights each of the nine display locations around St. Peter Port. Each stop on the trail stands alone, meaning trail participants can begin their journey wherever they choose and experience it at their own pace.

Island Memories Project: Liberation 80- Guernsey Museum Foyer Display
28th March - 5th October

Guernsey Museum's new oral history archive aims to preserve islanders' memories for future generations. This display shares clips from the project's first phase of interviews alongside items from the era. The stories recorded cover a full range of emotions and highlight the uniquely challenging period in Guernsey's history.

Past And Present: 80 Years of Freedom Trail- Guernsey Visitor Information Centre, Market Square
8th May - 29th August

Every year on 9 May, Guernsey commemorates Liberation Day - the end of the German Occupation. But how did the people of the island celebrate on the day itself in 1945? In partnership with Guernsey Past and Present, this display reveals what you would have seen in various locations around St Peter Port 80 years ago.

In addition to the nine points on the trail, the German Naval Signals Headquarters Bunker in St Jacques is open until 2nd November. As part of the Liberation 80 celebrations, the interpretation and information panels in this fascinating and immersive site have been redesigned, updated and renewed.

PREVIOUS EXHIBITIONS IN THE LIBERATION TRAIL.

Dear Unknown Friend-Greenhouse Gallery, Guernsey Museum
28th March - 22nd June

A focus on the experiences and challenges surrounding the evacuation of islanders. An exhibition of the creative interpretations of a special selection of artists using materials kindly provided by Island Archives and Guernsey Museums, to give a voice to those who lived during the evacuation and tell their stories.

The Liberation Timeline- George Crossan Gallery, Market Building
10th April - 19th June

A fascinating and comprehensive timeline of the German Occupation. From the horror of invasion, through the hardships of Occupation, to the joy of Liberation. Visitors can explore newspaper extracts, historical documents, photographs, images of museum objects and much more. This is an ideal starting point for visitors to explore The Liberation Trail.

Surrender, Liberation and Recovery - The German Story- Guernsey Museum Terrace
28th April - 22nd June

What happened to the German Forces during the surrender and Liberation of Guernsey? Discover what role the German soldiers had to play in the recovery of the island.

Papers, Please- Island Archives
14th April - 22nd June

What documents would you carry on the streets of Occupied Guernsey? The administration of Occupation created thousands of permits, licenses and letters. Step back in time to 1941 to an imagined Douzenier's office when the order for a 'photographic census' of the population creates a mountain of paperwork for the clerks.

A Dark Chapter- Guille-Allès Library
14th April - 22nd June

In 1942, Hitler ordered that almost 2,500 Channel Islanders were to be deported to internment camps in Europe. A Dark Chapter recounts the harrowing story of the trauma of the Deportation, life in the camps, and the resilience of those who endured. It also reveals the little-known story of the Library during the Occupation, and the librarian who found himself among those deported.

Liberation: Re-Occupation & Recovery- Priaulx Library
15th April - 16th June

Guernsey's story from the German surrender of the Channel Islands, through British military rule, to the resumption of civil government. Follow the island's journey from the joy of Liberation into the economic austerity and political renewal essential for Guernsey's recovery from Occupation.

The War is Over- Grand Hall, Royal Court

15 April - 16 June

At around 10am on 8th May 1945, Liberation commenced when Korvetten Kapitain Reich told the Bailiff of Guernsey "The war is over". At midday, a special sitting of the States of Guernsey went on to explain what the people of Guernsey could do to enjoy their new freedom. These displays cover the handover of power, the German surrender, and the Royal Court at this most poignant time in the island's history.