Skip to main content

Archives at The Museum of Flight


World War II Air Raid Warden Materials

 Collection
Identifier: 2014-00-00-20

Contents of the Collection

The World War II Air Raid Warden Materials is a small collection of textual materials, including documents and booklets, meant to prepare and guide civilians acting as air raid wardens during World War II. Most of the items are specific to the Seattle, Washington area. Some items are undated, but most fall within 1940-1943. It is unknown who collected these materials.

Materials include documents regarding the transmittal of color signals for emergencies, dim-out regulations for civilian homes, and frequently asked questions about “V-Home” (Victory Home) preparation, including how to prepare a refuge room, how to make a blackout room, what to salvage at home, and what to do in an air raid.

Several booklets from 1942 are included as well: “Facts for Air Raid Wardens and Every Civilian” and its supplement, “Training Course for Air Raid Wardens,” and “A Handbook for Air Raid Wardens” issued by the United States Office of Civilian Defense. The booklets cover topics such as “Explosive Chemical Compounds,” “Incendiary Bombs,” and sections on gas attack, detection, and defense. They also outline the organization of civilian defense and provide guidance on duties during an emergency. There are also two small “Air Raid Warden” window signs and an armband.

Two other 1942 booklets focus on general civilian protection and defense. Lastly, there are two first aid booklets, including one from the American Red Cross, and a document regarding the application of traction splints.

Dates

  • Creation: 1940-1943

Language of Materials

All materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research and is accessible in the Dahlberg Research Center by appointment. For more information contact us.

Conditions Governing Use

The Museum of Flight (TMOF) Archives is the owner of the physical materials in the archives and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from TMOF archives before any publication use. TMOF does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners. Consult repository for more details.

Extent

0.20 Cubic Feet (1 half-width letter size document box)

Immediate Source of Acquistion

The provenance of this collection is unknown.

Accruals

No further accruals are expected.

Existence and Location of Copies

Materials from this collection have been digitized and are available at The Museum of Flight Digital Collections.

Separated Materials

The following item has been separated from the archival component and is kept in Objects storage:

  • Triangular section of muslin cloth, with finished edges

Title
Guide to the World War II Air Raid Warden Materials
Status
Completed Level 2
Author
J.Parent
Date
2020
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English
Edition statement
2nd edition

Repository Details

Part of the The Museum of Flight Archives Repository

Contact:
9404 East Marginal Way South
Seattle Washington 98108-4097
206-764-7874


The Museum of Flight | 9404 E. Marginal Way South | Seattle WA 98108-4097 | 206-764-5874
Contact us with a research request
curator@museumofflight.org