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The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a unique attraction in southeast London where global cultures and the natural world are brought together for everyone to enjoy. The Museum holds internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as a popular natural history gallery and Aquarium. The 16 acres of beautiful Gardens feature a tropical Butterfly House and offer stunning views across London.

This role is based in its Shared Collection Centre (SSC) in North Greenwich


Main purpose

The Horniman Museum has a significant archaeological collection of objects including around 6000 lithic tools. The collection of stone tools spans from the Palaeolithic to the Neolithic and from sites across the world, including assemblages from prominent sites such as like Grimes Graves in Norfolk or Mount Carmel in Israel. The project is not completely limited to lithic tools with a selection of other archaeological material ranging from pot sherds from Neolithic Egypt to Swiss Bronze Age rings.

In recent years the Museum has been working towards auditing and repacking its collections of lithics and other archaeological assemblages. This will ensure better access and preservation for this collection. The volunteers will be responsible for accessing, carefully unpacking, auditing the contents of the storage containers and repacking this collection to modern standards.

Tasks include:

• Accessing, unpacking and packing items at the Horniman museum stores
• Updating object locations on the Museum’s collection database, MIMSY
• Auditing the contents of container boxes to insure they match MIMSY records.

Training in object handling and the use of the MIMSY database will be provided.

Level of commitment

This is a fixed-term placement volunteering 1 day a week for 3 months, starting in late October. This opportunity is available on Fridays.

Location, Requirements and other Details
• The venue for volunteering would be at our stores in North Greenwich, not at the museum in Forest hill.
• The role is subject to a basic DBS check
• volunteers need to be 18 or over due to the nature of the tasks and level of supervision available.
• We are looking to recruit two volunteers to collaborate on the project.

This role would suit someone who:

• Is interested in developing first-hand collections management skills
• Has an interest in archaeology
• Is careful and has a good attention to detail
• Is able to make a commitment to every Friday for 3 months from the end of October

The Museum offers volunteers:
• A supportive, learning environment and the opportunity to gain valuable experience behind the scenes at a museum
• Special events for volunteers inc. behind-the-scenes talks and socials
• Reimbursement of travel expenses within Greater London; lunch expenses if volunteering a full day
• Free entry to paid areas of the Horniman Museum.
• A 20% discount at the café and the shop