Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Our Museum Team

Behind every successful museum lies a dedicated team of individuals who bring history to life. At Harleston Cornucopia, our museum section is maintained and operated almost entirely by a remarkable group of volunteers who generously donate their time, expertise, and passion to preserving and sharing our local heritage.

In this spotlight, we're delighted to introduce you to some of the key members of our volunteer team and highlight the invaluable contributions they make to our museum and the wider community.

The Heart of Our Museum

Our museum volunteers come from diverse backgrounds but share a common love for history and a commitment to community service. From retired professionals to students gaining experience, each brings unique skills and perspectives that enrich our museum experience.

"Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the museum. Without their dedication, knowledge, and enthusiasm, we simply couldn't offer the quality of experience that visitors enjoy today." — James Thornton, Museum Curator

Meet Our Volunteer Team

Margaret Wilson - Volunteer Coordinator

A retired schoolteacher with over 40 years of experience, Margaret has been volunteering at the museum since its inception in 2010. As our volunteer coordinator, she schedules the rota, organizes training sessions, and ensures that new volunteers are properly integrated into the team.

"What I love most about volunteering here is seeing the connection visitors make with their local history," says Margaret. "When someone recognizes a relative in an old photograph or discovers that their house was once a shop, there's a moment of real connection with the past that's magical to witness."

Robert Jenkins - Research Specialist

Robert, a retired librarian with a passion for genealogy, leads our research efforts. He meticulously documents the provenance of artifacts, researches local family histories, and helps visitors with historical inquiries.

"I've always been fascinated by the stories behind objects," Robert explains. "Every item in our collection represents a piece of someone's life—their work, their celebrations, their everyday existence. Uncovering these stories and connecting them to the broader history of Harleston is like solving a puzzle that spans centuries."

Emily Chen - Digital Archivist

Our youngest regular volunteer, Emily is a university student studying museum conservation who helps digitize our photograph collection and develop our online presence. Her technical skills have been instrumental in making our archives more accessible.

"Museums sometimes have a reputation for being stuck in the past, but that's not the case here," Emily says. "We're using digital tools to preserve history and make it more accessible to everyone, especially younger generations who might not otherwise engage with local history."

David and Susan Thompson - Exhibition Specialists

This husband-and-wife team brings complementary skills to our exhibition design. David, a retired carpenter, creates custom display mounts and cases, while Susan, who worked in visual merchandising, has an eye for arrangement and storytelling through objects.

"We love the creative challenge of designing exhibitions that are both informative and visually engaging," says Susan. "It's about creating a narrative that draws people in and helps them understand the significance of what they're seeing."

John Patel - Educational Outreach

A former history teacher, John coordinates our school visits and educational programs. He has developed hands-on activities that bring history to life for children of all ages.

"Children are naturally curious about the past, but they need to engage with it in a tangible way," John observes. "When a child can handle a replica Victorian toy or try writing with a quill pen, history becomes real to them in a way that books alone can't achieve."

The Impact of Volunteer Contributions

Our volunteers contribute in countless ways beyond their regular duties:

Oral History Project

Several volunteers have been instrumental in our ongoing oral history project, recording interviews with long-time Harleston residents to preserve their memories and experiences for future generations. These firsthand accounts provide invaluable context for our physical artifacts and help us understand the social history of the town.

Special Exhibitions

Volunteers often bring specialized knowledge that leads to fascinating temporary exhibitions. Recent examples include "Harleston at War," curated by Robert Jenkins based on his extensive research into local wartime experiences, and "Victorian Childhood," developed by John Patel using his educational expertise.

Community Engagement

Our volunteers serve as ambassadors for local history, giving talks to community groups, contributing to local publications, and participating in town events. Their enthusiasm is contagious and has helped foster a strong sense of historical awareness in Harleston.

The Rewards of Volunteering

When asked what they gain from volunteering, our team members mention a variety of benefits:

• The satisfaction of preserving and sharing local heritage
• Continuous learning and discovery
• Social connection and friendship with like-minded people
• The opportunity to use existing skills and develop new ones
• A sense of purpose and community contribution

"There's something deeply satisfying about being part of a chain of custodianship," reflects Margaret Wilson. "We're looking after these artifacts and stories now, just as others did before us, and passing them on to future generations. It gives you a real sense of connection to both past and future."

Join Our Volunteer Team

We're always looking for new volunteers to join our museum team. No specialized knowledge is required—just enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn. We provide training and support, and can tailor volunteer roles to match your interests and availability.

Current volunteer opportunities include:

• Museum guides and interpreters
• Collection care assistants
• Research and documentation helpers
• Educational program assistants
• Event support

Volunteering can be as little as a few hours a month, and we're particularly keen to hear from people with specialized skills or knowledge that could enhance our museum offerings.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, please contact us or speak to any of our volunteers during your next visit. We'd be delighted to welcome you to our community of history enthusiasts!

And next time you visit the museum section at Harleston Cornucopia, take a moment to chat with our volunteers. They're a wealth of knowledge and stories, and they truly embody the community spirit that makes our museum special.