Twenty Stories. One City. The City of Stories.
Margaret (Margie) Fahey-McGrath (1918 – 2000)
Margie was a medical social worker for the American Red Cross in Norfolk during WWII at the American Air Force 231st Station Hospital in Wymondham. Stationed in Norfolk for 2 years from 1943, she was a prolific letter writer, with 200 letters between Norfolk and her family and friends in the US (Syracuse, NY) detailing her time here, including photographs. By all accounts, she loved the medieval buildings of Norwich.
Did you know that Margie not only worked with patients, but organised social activities for staff, and, with a group of women and help from some of the airmen, started a city garden with no experience?
Step Into The Story
- Visit the only American Library in the country, which is located at The Forum in Norwich. The American Library is a living memorial to the Second Air Division, 8th Air Force, United States Army Air Forces and is open Monday to Saturday. In addition to being a library to visit, they have a host of online archives. Note The American Library is temporary closed until mid-July 2026.
- As part of the 2026 Norwich History Festival, you can join a fascinating Bus Tour of WWII American Air Bases (21 & 22 July, 10am – 3pm, £10). Presented by the American Library, you’ll delve into the stories of those like Margie on a Routemaster bus across Norfolk.
Marking twenty years of championing the city, VisitNorwich presents an ambitious year-long cultural celebration: Twenty Stories. One City. The City of Stories. Written by local guest authors our stories range from medieval rebels and mystics to pioneering reformers, artists, entrepreneurs and unsung heroes, these are the people who shaped Norwich – and whose legacy can still be discovered across the city today. Read the stories so far.
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