1. The Langdon Down Museum of Learning Disability (2nd Shared Learning Project)
The museum at Normansfield in Teddington tells the story of Dr John Langdon Down, Normansfield and the Royal Earlswood Asylum through exhibitions and events. It displays objects made by the savant James Henry Pullen. The building includes a Grade II* Victorian theatre containing original ornate fixtures and fittings. Langdon Down and his family brought a revolutionary and enlightened approach to the care of those with all forms of learning disability from 1868 until 1970.
The museum conducts research into the social history of learning disability and is conducting an oral history project. It welcomes group visits including schools and universities. The museum is a member of the London Museums of Health and Medicine and the Open University Social History of Learning Disability Group.
For further information see:
Website: www.langdondownmuseum.org.uk Museum Blog: http://langdondownmuseum.wordpress.com/ Normansfield Hospital Oral History Blog: http://normansfieldhospital.wordpress.com/
The Project for 2014: Long stay Institutions for People with Learning Disabilities
Where were long stay institutions and asylums for people with learning disabilities in the 19th and 20th centuries located in London and the Home Counties? How were they founded? How did they compare with each other and with Normansfield? How did living conditions and quality of care compare?
We ask volunteers to:
- Be available to attend all meetings at Normansfield between 11am and 1pm on the following Wednesdays: 10, 24 September; 8, 22 October, 12th, 26th November; presentation 3 December.
- Visit local history archives as required in Greater London and / or the Home Counties.
- Work on the project between meetings.
- Be computer literate: Microsoft Office. Use the internet and email.
What’s in it for you?
- To work as part of team
- To make a contribution to the history of Normansfield. Material will be used on the museum website, blog, in talks and kept in the archives for future researchers.
Why we want you
We need volunteers to produce original research that contributes to our knowledge of the social history of learning disability and Normansfield.
Location for meetings
Langdon Down Museum of Learning Disability, The Langdon Down Centre, Normansfield, 2A Langdon Park, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 9PS.
Nearest BR station: Hampton Wick, then a 10 minute walk. Buses: 281 and 285 stop outside. Free parking.
To Apply
For an application form contact: Les Stratton les.stratton@blueyonder.co.uk
Closing date for applications: 12th July 2014
2. U3A Shared Learning Project at the British Museum
Handling Collection Researchers
Thursdays for 10 weeks: from October 2nd – December 4th 2014
The Handling Collection at the British Museum comprises of 555 objects, representing a range of people and cultures from around the world. The Handling Collection is in the care of the Community Partnerships Team who uses these objects with a range of audiences, supporting individuals to hold these objects and engage their senses, and to inspire discussion and informal learning. The Collection is poorly provenanced, and little is known about many of the objects. As part of an ongoing project to deepen our understanding of the Collection, we would like your support to carry out object research.
Would you like to handle objects from the British Museum’s Handling Collection? Would you like to find out more about these objects, exploring the theme of ‘Food and Feasting around the World’? Would you like to spend time as a researcher at the British Museum?
As a Handling Collection Researcher, you will develop study skills and use these to research a selection of objects independently or in pairs, contributing to the Museum’s understanding of the history, use, meaning, and design of the objects. We will introduce you to the objects and how we engage different audiences with these objects, guide your research process, and will provide resources and a space to conduct research. You will be asked to write up your research notes in a Microsoft Word document, to be ready by the end of the project.
For more information about the work of the Community Partnerships Team at the British Museum, please visit: www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/community_collaborations.aspx
For more information and an application form contact Christine Cranidge c.cran.slp2@gmail.com
There are six places available on this SLP and applications must be completed and returned by Friday 8th August 2014.
The project will be based at The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
The project will be led by Christine Cranidge (U3A Coordinator) and Lorna Cruickshanks (British Museum Community Partnerships Coordinator)
3. A U3A Shared Learning Project at the
Museum of London Archives
Role Title:
Archaeological Archive Volunteer
Role Purpose:
The Museum’s Archaeological Archive stores and curates over 200,000 boxes of London’s Archaeology. Our Volunteer Programmes have been involving volunteers to assist with the repacking and reorganisation of its archaeological collections from early C20th excavations. This work helps increase access to the collections whilst creating extra space for future archaeological material. We also promote archaeology and the use of archives via public tours and outreach events. The project offers the chance to develop public engagement skills as well as archaeological knowledge.
Role Description:
Volunteers will learn basic collections care skills focusing mainly on pottery collections from one excavation. Volunteers will then use these skills to engage visitors in interactive handling sessions at the Museum of London.
Role Reports To:
Linda Crook (U3A Coordinator) & Glynn Davis (Archaeology Collections Manager)
Where:
Weeks 1- 7: LAARC (Museum of London) Mortimer Wheeler House Eagle Wharf Road N1 7ED Weeks 8 – 10: Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
When:
October – December 2014
Duration:
1 afternoon per week (13.00 – 16.00) over 10 weeks from Wed Oct 1st – Wed Dec 3rd
Requirements:
Potential applicants are required to book introductory tours on any of the following dates Wed 20th Aug, Wed 27th Aug or Wed 3rd Sept to see the archive (essential). Thereafter you will have the opportunity to submit a formal application for the project (deadline: 12th September). A willingness to interact with museum visitors
A willingness to organise a group visit to the museum from your local U3A (essential) An interest in archaeology is desirable but not essential as SLPs are designed to allow U3A members to share new experiences
Commitment to you:
We will provide training in basic collections care skills through a hands-on experience We will provide training in basic public engagement skills We will reimburse volunteers for expenses for travel and lunch of up to £10 per day
What’s In It For You:
To work as part of a team To handle archaeology and learn how it is curated To experience working in the World’s largest archaeological archive To develop public engagement and public speaking skills
Why We Want You:
To improve the storage and access of our collections To promote archaeology and the Archaeological Archive to new audiences
For more information about the project/to book an introductory tour please contact: Linda Crook: linda.crook.slp@gmail.com