Museum Volunteer - Family Activities

Museum Volunteer - Family Activities

Posted for Carisbrooke Castle Museum (archived duplicate)

Posted by Isle of Wight Volunteer Centre

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You will be redirected to the Isle of Wight Volunteer Centre website to express your interest.

Carisbrooke Castle Museum is a museum of Isle of Wight history, run by an independent charitable trust and set within the English Heritage-managed castle. Founded in 1898 by Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, as a memorial to her husband Prince Henry of Battenberg, the museum collects and records the history of the people of the Isle of Wight, making it accessible to all.

Our collection of over 34,000 objects spans applied art, fine art, photography, social history, science and technology, archaeology, and archives, covering local history from prehistory to the present day.

In 2017, our volunteers were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service—the highest award given to local volunteer groups in the UK—recognising their vital contribution to the community.

We are now recruiting volunteers to join our Family Activities team in Princess Beatrice’s Kitchen.

This role involves hosting and supporting family-friendly drop-in activities throughout the summer, such as crafts, storytelling, and creative sessions.

Volunteers will play a key part in creating a welcoming environment where families can engage with the museum’s history in fun, interactive ways.

One current volunteer shares: “I have lived a ten-minute walk from the Castle for more than 30 years and joined the museum volunteer team about 10 years ago. Not only am I interested in the castle and its royal connections, but I also enjoy meeting people. To volunteer gives me the opportunity to talk to visitors from all parts of the world and tell them a bit about out museum, its history and exhibits. I feel privileged to volunteer in such a historic environment.”

Volunteering can offer a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people, doing something worthwhile in your spare time with just a few hours making a big difference to the museum and its work.

No experience is necessary and full training is provided.

What the role involves:

• Hosting and assisting with family activities including crafts, storytelling, and creative workshops
• Welcoming families and visitors warmly in Princess Beatrice’s Kitchen
• Helping set up and tidy activity spaces
• Providing information about the museum’s history and exhibits in an engaging way
• Following basic health and safety and safeguarding procedures

What skills do I need?

• Friendly and confident with children and families
• Good verbal communication
• Comfortable in a busy, interactive setting
• Able to follow basic safeguarding and health & safety instructions
• Team player and reliable
• No prior museum or education experience required