Are you keen to gain valuable experience working with vibrant communities to deliver Museum programmes? Do you love sparking conversations and engaging with people? If this sounds like you, the Museum of Watford would be pleased to welcome your application for our Learning & Engagement Volunteer opportunity!   As well as gaining skills in working with museum collections you will join our friendly volunteer team and be part of an important project to share our collection and research ahead of our exciting move to our new site at the Town Hall.   What will I do?  As a Learning & Engagement Volunteer with us you could help with the following activities: Helping to run Museum on Tour events with the museum team  Researching objects for information to share with our visitors  Engaging visitors and sparking conversations about the history of Watford and museum objects  Helping to create resources for the Museum on Tour events  Overseeing the handling collections and safety of museum objects at Museum on Tour events     What skills do I need?   We welcome the skills and experience that each of our volunteers brings to the museum. We don’t expect volunteers to have museum experience, but volunteers will find the following skills and experience useful for this opportunity:   Confidence speaking to, and engaging with, a wide range of audiences  ·        Good levels of spoken English (ability to speak other languages also an advantage)  ·        Interest or knowledge of the history of Watford or Museum of Watford  ·        Willingness to be trained in program delivery skills    Training in how to work with museum collections will be provided, as well as the all-important tea and biscuits!   How can I apply?   To apply for this opportunity (and if you have any questions) please send the following to Shaima.bohari@watford.gov.uk.    A CV (please do highlight any previous volunteer or paid work you may have done, especially those in a similar capacity to this role) 2–3-minute video of you telling us: about yourself, why this volunteer position is a good fit for you, and any specific areas/programs you would like to work on. A completed Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form (this will not be used to select volunteers but helps us to ensure we are creating opportunities with a wide appeal and advertising broadly enough). The form is available to download below. (Please send us the video via either GoogleDocs or Dropbox if file size is too large to attach to an email) Please include the following information in the Subject line: “Learning and Engagement Volunteer” If you are able to attend both the Interview Day (17 July 2026) and the Induction Day (24 July 2026) Date of Birth to confirm you are above 18 years of age   The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 5 July 2026.

The Museum of Watford is seeking an experienced scriptwriter and copyeditor to play a key role in our exciting redevelopment. This freelance opportunity will support the creation of interpretive text for the Museum’s new permanent galleries. ​ Working closely with the museum team, you will translate curatorial research, collections, and community stories into clear, engaging, and accessible content. Your work will help shape the Museum’s vision as a welcoming civic space at the heart of Watford life. ​ About the role Develop high-quality interpretive text for permanent galleries Translate complex research into engaging, visitor-focused storytelling Help establish a house style based on best practice for accessible and inclusive interpretation, including tone of voice and approach Collaborate with curators and museum staff throughout the process ​ About you An experienced scriptwriter and/or copyeditor Strong understanding of accessible and inclusive writing Confident working with heritage, cultural, or community-led content ​ To find out more and register your interest here.

In 2026, the Museum of Watford will be launching its Museum Advisory Panel, a volunteer committee who will help embed the Museum into the Watford community and act as a critical friend and advisor for the Museum’s activities and temporary exhibitions. This autumn and winter we will be advertising for panellists and a chair, could it be you?   If you are passionate about making our town’s new Museum an inclusive, exciting and welcoming place and have skills, experience, or enthusiasm to share please keep an eye on this webpage to apply or email museum@watford.gov.uk to register your interest. ​ The Museum of Watford (MOW) has been made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players.

The Friends of Watford Museum was set up in 1998 and their aims are: ​ Being a vibrant, diverse community for people particularly interested in Watford’s history, and the associated themes covered by the Museum’s collection, to socialise and feel part of a group and the Museum  Advocates for the Museum within the community  Fundraising for the Museum to assist with the acquisitions, events, paid work experience placements etc  Hosting talks on topics related to the collections' areas of the Museum  ​ The Friends of Watford Museum is run independently by a committee elected at an annual meeting.  The cost of running the Friends is met by subscriptions and donations ​ As a member you will receive regular newsletters, receive invitations to exhibition previews, free admission to Friends talks and be involved in helping to care for the record of Watford's history and the future of the museum. ​ 'If you would like to join the Friends please email: friendsofmow@yahoo.com ​ Talks are free for Friends of Watford Museum or £5 for visitors. Booking is essential.

The Museum of Watford is inviting residents to help shape an exciting new exhibition opening in 2027, and we want your stories, memories, and memorabilia! ​ This vibrant new display will celebrate Watford’s rich cultural life, from unforgettable club nights and legendary gigs to local theatre and comedy. Whether it’s a ticket stub from Baileys, a photo from a gig at The Horns, or a memory of a night out at Destiny, we want to hear from you. ​ Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, the new Museum of Watford will feature an interactive digital experience showcasing decades of music, laughter, and creativity, all shaped by the people who lived it. What we're looking for Stories and memories of nights out, performances, and events Memorabilia like tickets, flyers, fan merchandise, photos, or video clips ​ If it captures the spirit of Watford’s entertainment scene, we’d love to see it! The deadline has now passed, if you have anything you would like to submit, please email museum@watford.gov.uk