Curatorial Volunteer (Remembering War)

Purpose

To assist on the Remembering War project by digitally editing oral history recordings and making transcripts of those oral histories under the direction of the guest curator, Prof. Helen Parr (Keele University) and the Head of Exhibitions (NAM). The images and oral histories will feature in a small, Focus exhibition at the National Army Museum. After the exhibition they will also reside in our archive. The role affords the opportunity to also gain experience of how content is utilised fully in an exhibition context and how the material will be retained and accessed afterwards in our archive. There may therefore be some additional duties around these areas.

The Remembering War exhibition is based upon a research project by Prof. Helen Parr at Keele University, illustrated by photographer Stuart Griffiths. The project consists of photographs and oral histories depicting how families commemorate and remember the loss of loved ones who have served, largely in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are also some images and stories of veterans from those conflicts. The exhibition looks at these conflicts and modern remembrance only.

Due to the sensitivity of the material, you will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the material.

The placement is based at the National Army Museum, Chelsea. We would like to offer volunteers a unique opportunity to gain experience of content development and interpretation within an exhibition context at a national museum.

Responsible to: Head of Exhibitions (NAM)

Times/Dates: One day a week, although this can be negotiated.

Location: National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London.


Tasks

Assisting the guest curator, Prof. Parr, with the editing of oral histories and their transcription.
Aiding with editing their selection.
Working with the Head of Exhibitions at NAM to gain further experience of the influence of content on design and exhibition logistics.
Learning how the archive will utilise and provide access to the content post exhibition.


Skills

(Essential)
Empathy for the subject matter and its sensitivities.
Good general standard of English literacy and numeracy. 
Be happy to work as a team member and have a willingness to learn.
Excellent digital skills and computer literacy. Please note that you will be required to undertake zoom meetings too.
Willingness, interest and respect for working with sensitive subject matter.
Excellent communication skills.

(Desirable)
Interest in/or experience of museums or history.
General interest in British military history.
Be comfortable with reviewing sensitive material.


Support & Training

Full in-house training will be provided, including site induction, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, task specific training, and basic introduction to skills relevant to the tasks.
Volunteers’ handbook with helpful information.
Regular feedback meetings with designated supervisor.
Other Key Information
Volunteers must have an empathy for the subject matter and its sensitivity.


Benefits

Become part of a friendly and dedicated team.
Gain Practical knowledge of exhibition interpretation within a UK national museum.
Contribute to a 6 month exhibition in the Focus Gallery at the museum.


The opportunity is open to everyone aged 18 and over.

If interested and to apply, please complete the Volunteer Application Form found on our website.

PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORMS BY 12PM NOON, ON THURSDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 2025

Museum Website: https://www.nam.ac.uk/volunteer