Archives Volunteer
The museum looks after the archives of the United Grand Lodge of England and the Supreme Grand Chapter of England and their predecessor bodies. The archive collections include papers relating to buildings, sites and charitable organisations associated with freemasonry and individual freemasons. They also include research papers collected or created by freemasons and some lodge and chapter records. The archives team care for the records of the Masonic Charities. The Document Collection includes masonic patents of appointment, certificates, warrants and charters. The Print Collection includes photographs, engravings and prints. The archives team are responsible for the long-term preservation of these unique resources and are committed to making them accessible for research.
Role description
The purpose of this role is to help the archives team to organise, list and catalogue records relating to masonic lodges and chapters that are no longer meeting. These records are varied and comprise the official written records of particular lodges and chapters and take the form of minutes, membership lists, correspondence and photographs.
Duties may include:
- Repacking resources into acid free folders/boxes etc.
- Listing boxes of closed lodge and chapter records
- Removing duplicate material
- Updating finding aids and location listings
- Researching the history of closed lodges and chapters
- Creating basic catalogue records for erased lodge and chapter records
Person specification
This role will suit volunteers who are keen to work with archival collections in a heritage sector environment.
Volunteers may already have experience working in an archive, library or museum, or they may be looking to develop new skills in this area. Volunteers will have at least some of the following skills, experience and qualities but previous experience of working with archives is not a requirement. Volunteers seeking practical experience before or as part of a post-graduate archive qualification are welcome to apply.
- An interest in volunteering in a heritage environment
- Good accuracy and attention to detail
- ICT skills including competency in the use of MS Office
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Effective team working skills
What’s in it for you?
- An opportunity to enhance your understanding of archive repositories and catalogues
- The satisfaction of contributing to archive projects that will enhance access to our collections
- An opportunity on an occasional basis to meet other heritage sector volunteers
The Museum of Freemasonry is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds. No prior knowledge of freemasonry is required.
