Why be a museum volunteer?

A Volunteer’s Journey

By Angela Dunsby

Sitting at home one day at the end of a quiet summer last year, I came across an advert on Facebook, “Volunteers Wanted”! The John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury, a short drive away. “Might be worth a look” I thought. Having spent a lot of time sitting at home looking after my husband with his many health issues, I really wanted something to do for myself, I also wanted to meet new people rather than wallowing at home. Little did I know how much one phone call would change my life.

After visiting curator Simon for an informal chat, I was intrigued and eager to be involved. I had little knowledge of Tewkesbury or its history and the few snippets of Tudor times I could remember from school were vague and sketchy, not surprising considering school ended for me 100 years ago, or so it feels.

I was invited to join the team and with great enthusiasm I began to learn about John Moore himself and the great work in conservation and writing he undertook. From this early exploration into his life, I now know a lot more about the countryside and have become hands on with taking care of the taxidermy exhibits. I just love examining an exhibit with my magnifying glass, looking for bugs or flaws needing repair.

I also began learning about Tudor life, a vital skill when showing visitors around the Merchant’s House, Learning and Access Officer Kirstie has a huge understanding of Tudor times and I have learned more than I could have imagined. I am able to competently lead a tour of the house and even assist with school visits. My family are slightly fed up of my constant quips about how things were done in Tudor times. I just love it however.

My original one morning a week has become so much more. I am now learning how to put posts on social media, creating blogs, as well as meeting and greeting visitors. The museum gets under your skin and you need and want to learn more. I find myself writing research and missing the museum when I’m not there, it’s under my skin and the cogs in my brain have  started to turn again.

More importantly, I have met some great people with so much knowledge, all working together and having fun along the way.

Anyone looking for a new interest should definitely call the office for a chat. You can decide how much you want to be involved. But be warned, you too could become a museum nerd, you’ll love it!!