Peace Park Volunteer Guide English C1-George

12th October 202113:30-14:30

Self-introductions, discuss what the Peace Park means to you & consider how a tour

of the Peace Park should start

Lesson target

Aioi Bridge

target-The bridge was the original target when the U.S. dropped the bomb on Hiroshima.

-This is because it has a T-shape that made it easy to see from the sky.

-The bridge is located in the centre of the city so it was an ideal target for the U.S.

streetcars-The streetcars connect the city to Miyajima port. -They started running again 3 days after the bomb was dropped.-Some drivers were young women.-Hiroshima city operated the streetcars free of charge after the bomb was dropped.-Many people died on their way to work/town as the explosion was early in the morning, at 8:15am.-Some of the streetcars in Hiroshima come from other cities and countries (Germany, Kyoto etc.)-3 or 4 streetcars survived the effect of the bomb and some are still in operation.

reconstructed

-The bridge itself survived the bombing and continued to be used as a bridge as it was reconstructed in 1983.

-Before the explosion, the bridge was originally an H-shape. There was a small bridge connecting it to a small island, but was later removed to create it’s T-shape.

Aioi Bridge - questions

1. What was the bridge used for?

2. Did the atomic bomb hit the bridge?

3. When was the bridge reconstructed?

Peace Clock Tower

iron pillars

-The twisted iron pillars are misshapen to represent the impact of the bombing.

-For some people the straight part of the pillar represents peace and the twisted shape portrays the confusion regarding peace after the bombing.

8:15

-The clock chimes every day at 8:15 to represent the time of the bombing.

sphere

-The clock is in the shape of a sphere, representing the globe and it’s people. It has 3 sides.

Peace Clock Tower -questions

1. Why was the clock tower built?

2. Why was the tower designed to have this shape?

3. Does the clock make any sounds?

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

cultural asset-The Peace Memorial Museum is a cultural asset for the people of Hiroshima and the world – it teaches us what effects the war has had on us and also reminds us of the terrifying times during the war.

repairing and rebuilding

-The museum was first opened on August 24th, 1955 and was most recently repaired 2 years ago (in 2019) to protect it from earthquakes.

-Part of the current museum was closed and renovated (taking around 2 years) and then reopened. Some parts remained open to the public during this time.

“A-bomb Reference Material Display Room”

-Before the current route around the museum was established, it used to start from the East Building. This meant some people (on trips or tours) did not have time to see all exhibits in the Main Building. Now the route has changed and starts from the Main Building.

-We can see straight away what happened to Hiroshima, and see many items destroyed by the atomic bomb.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park -questions

1. When was the museum opened to the public?

2. What can you see inside the museum?

3. Is everything in one building?

Discussion•What is the best way to start a tour in the Peace

Park or Peace Museum?

-Peace Museum – it makes it easier to imagine what actually happened when you go back outside, and gives you information/background on the history of Hiroshima.-It can depend on the meeting place with guests, A-bomb dome or Museum. -Can’t take tour groups to the museum at the moment due to COVID restrictions.