Volunteering
There are a number of more specialist positions occupied by volunteers
We are looking for a Collection Manager and assistants for this role. The role involves looking after the physical objects in the collection, and improving the conditions in which they are kept. We have modern storage facilities and good resources available. Also the roles involve cataloguing and auditing the collection, management of loans in and out, monitoring for pests, and various other collection care responsibilities. We also have an archive collection to be cared for. These positions are for self-starters willing to work on their own initiative and with a dedication to high standards of collection care and management. There is no fixed time commitment - this is open to discussion with individuals.
Download PDF file of Collections Manager Role Description
We are looking for an oral history enthusiast to lead the oralhistory team. We collect stories and memories of people who have experienced life on the London canals and associated history by recording interviews that are then added to the museum's collection. The team leader's role is to receive and investigate possible leads on candidates for interview, allocate interviewing to other team members as well as him or herself, and guide the work of the technical editor and transcriber
You will need to be computer-literate to do this role as it involves editing the raw audio files collected by oral history interviewers to eliminate unwanted noises and digressions (e.g. interruptions, external noises, hesitation noises, repetitions) to produce agood quality recording suitable for publication where practicable. Previous experience with Audacity or similar software would be desirable
For reference, and for publication as an aid to hearing-impaired users, we create transcripts of oral history recordings. This involves listening and writing down what is said. It is a role that could be carried out from home if preferred.
We have an opportunity for someone with a mixture of technical and editorial and research skills to make a range of videos for the museum's Youtube channel and other platforms. An interest in canal history is important for this, as is the ability to do all the technical aspects of video making including adding subtitles, and editing. You would need to research the subject, write the script or outline, do the filming, and put the whole thing together. The videos will be mainly public education videos about canal history, although there is also an opportunity to make promotional material for the museum. You'll be expected to work on your own initiative but we will consider paying for equipment hire if necessary, and will meet any out-of-pocket expenses.
We have a variety of IT systems and if you are good with computers, networking, and the maintenance of hardware and software, we'd like to talk to you. We have an IT Manager who is in the lead but who could do with some help. The amount of time needed will fluctuate, there will seldom be regular times or regular work. You will be prepared to come in when there ar problems to be solved as well as to do routine jobs.
Our tug Bantam IV is an important part of the museum collectionand we are looking for someone to look after it. This is a collection care role but a role with a difference. The Tugmaster is expected to;
The role will be suited to someone with some knowledge of diesel engines but you are not expected to be an expert - advice can be obtained if needed. You won't be afraid to get dirty!
We are looking for a second costumed interpreter to act in the role of Mrs Agnes B. Marshall, (or, if male, her husband) a celebrated cook and teacher in her day and the publisher of two books of ice cream recipies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She gave cookery demonstrations to large audiences in the days before such things were done on television and we would like our costumed interpreter to do scheduled ice-cream making demonstrations for our visitors in the museum. Some demonstrations will be for planned groups of visitors, mostly on weekdays, and some will be at weekends. We have a reproduction of Mrs Marshall's ice cream making machine that is used for these demonstrations. A costume will be provided. You will need to:
Download PDF file of Costumed Interpreter Role Description