Exhibitions highlight rebuild of Plymouth and achievements of Sir Francis Chichester

Three new exhibitions developed by or supported by staff from the Plymouth History Centre open in the city this week, one of which highlights the impact of the Blitz on the city and its ambitious rebuilding plan and two of which focus on the life and achievements of sailor Sir Francis Chichester.

'Plymouth - From Destruction to Construction' will remain on display throughout the year on the first floor of the Council House. The exhibition includes a variety of objects, images and footage from the collections of Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, the Plymouth and West Devon Record Office and the South West Film and Television Archive.

The exhibition tells how Plymouth's docks and naval base made it a major target during World War II resulting in the almost total destruction of the city centre and the displacement of tens of thousands of people. It also explores the radical plan that was developed to create a new modern city – one that was worthy of replacing what had been lost.

Exhibition opening hours are 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday. A free informal talk and tour of the exhibition will take place from 1pm on Wednesday 14 June.

Two new exhibitions about Sir Francis Chichester can also be viewed from this week.

'Chichester 50' is on display at the Plymouth Athenaeum on a range of dates between now and 2 June. The exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of Devon-born Chichester completing his historic solo circumnavigation of the world. Featuring still and moving images from the City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth and West Devon Record Office, South West Image Bank and South West Film and Television Archive as well as a host of information, it tells the story of Chichester's early life and South West links, his career as an aviator and his epic global sail.

'Chichester's Round the World Voyage 1966-7' is on display at the Royal Western Yacht Club from 9 to 25 May and can be viewed from 10am-12pm Tuesday to Friday. The exhibition has been coordinated with the assistance of staff from the History Centre and includes a series of objects kindly loaned from his son Sir Giles Chichester's personal collection. Objects on display include a world chart on which he plotted his route and daily positions, his log book, a sextant, a chronometer, even his one of his baseball caps.

History Centre staff will run a family-friendly arts and craft workshop inspired by the exhibition called 'Navigators of the Sea' at the Royal Western Yacht Club from 10am to 12pm on Wednesday 31 May.

Admission to all three exhibitions is free. Full details for them and their related events can be found in the what's on section of www.plymhearts.org or from the individual venue websites.

All three exhibitions are part of the 2017 Plymouth History Festival programme. For full details about everything that's on offer throughout this year's festival visit www.historyfestival2017.wordpress.com