VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering at The Highlanders’ Museum (THM) provides an opportunity to be part of an award-winning team. The Charity is focused on caring for the collection and providing learning opportunities about highland military history, with 7 permanent members of staff and a dedicated team of around 20 volunteers helping us achieve this. We are a close-knit, inclusive organisation that welcomes everyone over the age of 16 to be part of our team and we invest in supporting every member to excel in their roles.
Benefits of Volunteering:
Free training
Free tea and coffee
Free uniform
Free car parking
Help with travel costs
A volunteer discount in the museum shop
A discount in the Historic Environment Scotland shop and café in Fort George
Access to free online learning courses
Regular social events through the year
If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator on 01667 457792 or resolvcoordinator@thehighlandersmuseum.com
VOLUNTEERING ROLES
As a research volunteer, you will be undertaking historical research about the individuals and regiments represented by the Museum. This may include completing Research Requests submitted by members of the public, or the creation of digital content (including blogs). Research Requests will be completed in a consistent style in line with the Museum branding, and sent to the requestee in line with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) guidelines (training provided). To complete research, you will have access to our archive (training provided), under the supervision of a member of staff where appropriate, and to digital resources.
Who are we looking for:
- Interest in history and/or the military
- Basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word
- An eye for detail and problem-solving skills
- Desire to complete sometimes complicated research to a high standard
- Able to use digital archives (training provided)
- You should be able to volunteer for a full or half day, once or twice per week
As a guide volunteer you will undertake guided Museum tours for visitors, twice daily at 11.00 and 14.00 in summer, once a day in winter and be available in galleries to answer visitor questions. Drop-in tours will be for 12 people, both adults and children, lasting about 45 minutes. You should be confident speaking to groups and dealing with members of the public calmly.
The museum will provide support and training throughout your volunteering including an introduction to the Charity, meeting the team and learning how The Highlanders’ Museum operates. Tour guide training will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to share our stories with visitors, answer questions, and ask for donations to help support the museum at the end of the tour.
We are looking for people with
- An interest in history and/or the military
- Confident speaking to groups of people
- Good verbal communication skills
- Desire to learn about the museum and its collection
- Able to climb stairs and stand for long periods of time
- Setting up equipment and preparing for school group
- Support or take a facilitating role delivering workshops for school children
- Provide supervision for students of all ages whilst on site
- Willingness to chat with school teacher and students during the visits
- Help and encourage students of all ages and abilities to participate in the undertaking of workshops and associated activities
- Encourage feedback from students and teacher
- Help pack up after school visits
As an event volunteer you will be assisting at a range of events taking place during the day or in the evening including afternoon tea, murder mysteries, weddings and fort-wide events in summer. The role will be varied, involving a range of activities from initial room set-up and assisting with service to traffic control directing cars to parking areas or escorting/directing visitors to the Museum.
The museum will provide support and training throughout your volunteering including an introduction to the Charity, meeting the team and learning how The Highlanders’ Museum operates. Event volunteer training will provide you with knowledge and confidence to help host events and provide visitors with a memorable occasion.
We are looking for people who
- Are flexible timewise and able to adapt to different event requirements
- Want to volunteer but cannot commit to ‘regular hours’
- Have an eye for detail and able to communicate with people
- Have the ability to stand for long periods of time, possibly outside
More information coming soon.
Community Curators
To find out about our Community Curators projects and how to get involved, click here.