Collections and Research Volunteer
Objective of role: To support the ongoing development and care of the museum’s collection and to undertake new research about local stories, people, places and material culture.
Managed by: Volunteer Curators
Hours
- Hours are completely flexible but there are weekly sessions to do accessioning work and collections care, in an office in central Chesham, or at our store on Moor Road. These sessions are usually two hours long
- There would be regular catch ups with the curatorial team, approximately a hour every two months
- Hours vary on research projects, depending on your time and the amount of research you would like to undertake.
What the role involves
- To support the museum’s curators to deliver our commitments to collections documentation and care, to ensure the collection is conserved and cared for as best as possible. This includes audits, cataloguing, labelling, packing and cleaning
- To review and develop the collection, to fill gaps in our knowledge and what we hold
- To help identify objects for exhibitions and display and prepare them as necessary
- To identify, research and write about objects and collections, to enhance our digital collection on our website
Would suit you if you
- Have an interest in historic objects and archives and the local area
- Enjoy working with others in a team
- Enjoy learning and developing research and practical skills
Training
Volunteers will be given a full induction and training. They will also be signposted to wider training opportunities and sector-specific meetings.
About Chesham Museum
Chesham Museum was founded in 2004. It is a community organisation, conceived and run by local volunteers, with funding mainly through the efforts of its supporters with the support of local businesses, schools and the wider population.
Its first home was in the former stables of a public house ‘The Gamekeeper’s Lodge’ in Bellingdon Rd, and it relocated, in 2009, to 15 Market Square, Chesham until June 2017 when a change in circumstances meant it was forced to close its doors.
Since then, the museum has developed an outreach programme in the community and maintained a strong online presence through its website and social media channels, helping to provide a connection to its audiences and users both local, visitors and researchers from across the world.
In 2024 the museum opened a new space in the town hall and launched a new public programme. We are growing our volunteer team. Join us and share in the development of a thriving local history museum for the communities of Chesham and surrounding area.
How to apply
Contact the team at communications@cheshammuseum.org.uk or complete the form below.
