Museum Archive & Research Assistant Volunteer

Unpaid role, Voluntary, Flexible Hours

Volunteers provide a vital service to help maintain the museum for the benefit of those who visit our nationally important collection. We now need Stores and Archive Assistant volunteers who can help us manage and research our stored collection at the Combined Military Services Museum. (CMSM)

About CMSM

The CMSM is a journey through British military history beginning on the brutal medieval battlefields, through the Crimean & Napoleonic Wars and, WWI & WWII to current day conflicts. We look at the secretive worlds of Spies, their gadgets, weapons and disguises, Special Forces, the Special Operations Executive and their daring operations behind enemy lines. We hold stunning displays of combat uniforms, one of Europe’s largest public display of firearms, medical equipment used on battlefields as well as medals, swords, armour, missiles and three pieces of field artillery on outdoor display.

About the Archive & Research Assistant role:  

The role is key to the success of the Museum as you will be helping us to maintain robust records of our collection in line with our accreditation system.  Working as part of our team of volunteers, and reporting to the curator,  the Archive & Research Assistant role would focus on various tasks related to ensuring our stored collections are maintained in good order, checking catalogue entries and helping to keep the archive neat, tidy and fully recorded.  Along side this we want to create a research library, and encourage the research into our lesser known articles and bring them to the fore in small exhibitions, talks or social media posts.

The main activities would include, but are not limited to :

• In line with COVID-19 guidelines the Museum must be regularly cleaned and sanitised. PPE and training will be given. All staff and volunteers share this responsibility.
• Working in the office and store rooms to quality check archive records in line with our SPECTRUM accreditation standards.
• Working with the Museum Collection Assistant to update MODES records
• Help to create a new reference library in the Resource Room for the benefit of researchers and staff

What skills will I need?

• Minimum age 18 years
• Would suit a retired archivist or early career researcher/Museums graduate
• Computer literate and able to use Word and Excel
• Willing to learn MODES cataloguing system
• An interest in museums and archives. A knowledge of SPECTRUM standard would be useful though training will be given.
• A warm and friendly disposition, happy to work both as part of a team and independently
• An interest in military, local, or home-front history is desirable but not essential

Training provided:

• Full induction will be given including training in the computer systems we use
• Health and safety training
• Training in the history of the key objects in the collection
• Support and guidance from the team

Benefit of volunteering:

Whether you have a passion for history, want to improve your knowledge and skills, or simply want to get involved in something worthwhile, volunteering at CMSM can help you to achieve your aims.

• Become part of the museum team
• Meet new people
• Personal satisfaction of giving back to the community
• Gaining new skills, knowledge and experience to build your CV
• Research a unique military museum archive
• Free onsite parking
• Have fun!

How to apply:

You will be asked to complete an application form and details of two references will be required for this role. Due to the nature of the collection additional security checks may be carried out.

Please contact Julie.miller@cmsm.co.uk to ask for an application form.

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or constitute an employment contract.