Museum of London volunteer information
Museum of London currently has very limited opportunities for volunteers and work experience placements. Our current volunteer opportunities are listed below, along with contact details, and how to apply. Unfortunately we do not have the capacity to involve anyone outside these opportunities, so please do not send in your CV 'on spec'. You can find out about volunteer opportunities in other organisations through your local Volunteer Centre or online at www.do-it.org.uk.
Conservation and Care Department
The Conservation and Collection Care Department provides annual internship placements to students on a number of conservation training programmes. We would like to offer opportunities for experience for others interested in conservation and collection care work, but limitations on space and staffing do not allow this at this time.
Volunteer work at the Museum's archaeological archive is sometimes available; this offers valuable experience in collection care and handling archaeological materials. However, placements are in demand and limited.
For information on training programmes in conservation and collection care, the website of the Institute of Conservation www.icon.org.uk (external link) is very useful, with lists of all the current programmes in the UK along with a general introduction to the profession.
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Early London History Department
The Department of Early London History and Collections (c.400, 000 BC – AD 1700) takes volunteer work placements but can only accommodate one placement at a time. As a result we are frequently fully booked for many months ahead. Applicants requiring placements should apply several months in advanced of their desired slot. Please note: the usual length of a placement is one or two weeks. We do not take long-term internship students (e.g. placements of more than one month).
The Department is booked up for much of 2009. We are currently fully booked until the end of 2009. We do not take volunteers at weekends or over the Christmas period. If you would like to volunteer, please send a copy of your CV, a covering letter explaining why you would like to volunteer and details of when and how long you would like your placement to be to: mjeater@museumoflondon.org.uk (020 7814 5732).
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Later London History Department
The Department of Later London History and Collections is currently not taking any additional volunteer work placements. It is likely that volunteer vacancies will become available once more in 2009, on the completion of the Museum's Capital City project.
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Learning Department
Schools volunteers
Our schools volunteer programme is currently full, but we will be recruiting in the future so please keep checking for updates.
Thousands of pupils from primary, secondary and SEN schools visit the museum’s inspiring galleries and take part in interactive sessions every year.
Our schools volunteers support school groups during their visit and ensure that they have a worry free, informative and highly enjoyable experience. The role includes:
- welcoming school groups and helping them to the picnic area, workshop areas and galleries
- monitoring the cloakroom and picnic area during lunchtimes
- assisting schools during their time in the galleries; helping with worksheets and questions
- helping to ensure that schools have completed and returned evaluation forms
Previous experience is not essential as full training is provided. In return we provide the opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge in a rewarding and creative environment. For more information, email cstevenson@museumoflondon.org.uk.
Event Coordinator
Currently no vacancies for this position.
As an Event Coordinator you will be helping out with a wide range of practical aspects supporting our public events programme. This involves help setting up and packing away materials; assisting guides during walks or managing crowds during storytelling sessions etc.
You will be in constant contact with members of the public and it is important that you feel confident in dealing with people. You also need a keen interest in museum learning. The role offers an excellent opportunity for those wanting to pursue a career within museum education. It is also suitable for those with an interest in London's history.
We cannot guarantee that there will always be spaces available. To apply please send a CV with a covering letter explaining why you are interested in becoming an event coordinator to Sandra Hedblad at shedblad@museumoflondon.org.uk.
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Archaeological Archive
The Archaeological Archive stores the archives of over 5000 excavations from London. Volunteers help us improve their storage & accessibility by packing objects, organising boxes and updating digital records.
We run a Volunteer Inclusion Project three times a year, which lasts 10 sessions over 10 weeks. Our current projects are currently full, however if you are interested in joining our next project, running January - April 2010, please contact Glynn Davis at gdavis@museumoflondon.org.uk or call 020 7566 9308.
If you are interested in a one or two week work placement please contact Dan Nesbitt at dnesbitt@museumoflondon.org.uk or call 020 7566 9308. Placements should be booked at least 6 months in advance. We are fully booked for 2009 but are accepting placements from February 2010.
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Visitor Services, Museum of London Docklands
Visitor Services at Museum of London Docklands normally takes school work experience placements through Trident. We accommodate up to two candidates on a two week programme which includes all aspects of the front of house role. This placement is best suited to pre-sixteen (year 10’s). We can also modify this placement for post-sixteen (year 12) which is normally sourced through Trident. Candidates should approach their schools in the first instance for more information.
Applications outside of the Trident scheme should be made to dutymanagers@museumoflondon.org.uk. We would then look for an approval letter from the candidate’s school and parents.
We do not offer volunteering opportunities outside of this.
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