Join the Team

Three years ago, I joined National Coal Mining Museum as a volunteer to help with the transcription of interviews carried out by NCMME researchers. In that time, I have been given a fascinating insight into mining history and the characters involved, plus I am developing a growing interest in Oral history, in general, which I enjoy immensely.

I love volunteering at the museum as it has given me an insight into so many different aspects of museum work. I enjoy working with the collections, as well as interacting with visitors at the museum and online. It is a great way to gain experience and prepare me for a career change into the museum sector. Moreover, I get to meet and work with a brilliant group of people who are all super friendly, helpful and fun!

Coal mining is a part of my family history but is no longer part of the daily life of the country. I wanted to be able to help keep the story of mining alive for future generations so that the lives of miners and their families can be understood and experienced by others. By volunteering at NCMME I can share my Dad's, my Grandad's and many other's lives and work with our visitors and keep their story going.

I was drawn to volunteer at NCMME because of my family's involvement with mining. As a former teacher, I hoped to continue being with children and families and using stories and play that share my interest in finding out about the lives of families in the past. Another thing I think is particularly good is the way you find out how people might like to volunteer, fine tuning their opportunity rather than offering a one size fits all role.