Re-Imagine Watford Museum
 

Freelance Researcher Role at Watford Museum
 

We’re looking for a researcher who can offer 14 days over May, June and July 2024 to support our museum redevelopment plans.

About the project

Watford Museum is undergoing a transformation. The museum is relocating from its current home at Benskin House, Lower High Street to the Town Hall where it will be part of a cultural and community Hub in the new Town Hall Quarter.
 

The redevelopment of Watford Museum includes development of three new galleries that will share the history of Watford. These galleries include a number of co-curated displays, and we are seeking a freelance researcher to research the themes, communities and organisations that will underpin our approach. 

Your work will help us identify the stories that we will tell and the people who can support us to co-curate the displays.
 

Gallery 2: Sporting Watford - Grassroots and amateur sports

Gallery 2: Sporting Watford -Watford Football Club – family club / fans stories

Gallery 3: Work - Watford Industries today

Gallery 3: Play - 20th & 21st Century Entertainment and Nightlife in Watford

You will work alongside our Community Curator and Collections Officer (Oral History) to ensure that local stories and community voices are represented in the new displays.
 

This post is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the development of our ambitious redevelopment project to Re-imagine Watford Museum.

 

Key tasks

• Research the history of each theme/topic and provide an outline history including key places, organisations, people, and milestones / moments in time.

• Present that research in a clear format that can be used by museum collections and interpretation staff.

• Research and identify individuals who might share their story or an object to be part of the permanent gallery displays. (Be aware of museum documentation processes for potential donations and loans – training to be provided)

• Make contact with and talk to potential contributors from Watford Businesses, Organisations and Communities.

• Keep a log of contacts and contact details.

• Provide regular feedback to the team.

Essential experience

• Experience of research (online, archive, in person).

• Knowledge of Watford and / or history of Watford.

• Experience of working to project deadlines.

• Ability to organise and present research methodically and clearly.

• Attention to detail.

• Good listening skills.

• Be approachable and a good communicator.

• Interest in social history

• Interest in museums, museum interpretation and storytelling.

Details about the role

• Immediate start

• 14 days over May / June / July 2024 @ £350 per day

• Remote working with ability to attend meetings in Watford (Note that a good knowledge of Watford is required, given the topics of the project and research required)
   

How to apply

Please send a CV and 200 words within your email about why you are the right person for this role to:  Jo.Wiltcher@Watford.gov.uk.

Deadline: Monday 20 May 2024

Interviews:  TBC