Title:
Main purpose of role:
Object Handling Facilitator
To enhance the visitor experience by giving them the opportunity to handle and discuss objects from the museum’s collection.
The general premise is to allow members of the public to handle museum objects rather than just see them through a glass case. While visitors are looking at and holding the object we start a conversation about it and then let the visitor steer the direction of the conversation. Sometimes the visitor will have a story to tell sparked by the object and their own experience at other times you might introduce a fact or two to engage them or ask them a question about the object to simulate the conversation.
Duties/tasks: Sessions typically take place in the museum galleries with volunteers working in pairs.
 Set up and put away chosen or designated objects.
 Interact with visitors engaging in conversations based on the objects.
 Ensure the safety and security of the objects in their care
 Keep abreast of information regarding the objects available in handling sessions
 Attend an initial training session and occasional other sessions

Attend occasional team meetings
Where: work location
Object handling takes place in the galleries throughout the Northampton Museum & Art
Gallery.
On occasions you may be asked to facilitate sessions in other locations
Approximate time commitment and duration
Useful skills:
Volunteers are recruited and trained for this role periodically.
Volunteers will be expected to deliver a 2 hour session on average once a month. Dates and rotas are agreed by the team in time for the museum to publicise the sessions. To allow forward planning volunteers are requested to commit to sessions up to 6 months in advance.
These sessions currently take place on Saturdays and occasionally during school holidays throughout the year.
Comfortable engaging visitors of all ages (Toddlers to Pensioners) in conversation about the selected objects.
No prior knowledge is required although a general interest in history is very desirable.
Basic training is provided as are notes on each of the sets of artefacts used in the handling sessions. Each volunteer is expected to spend some time reading / researching the items so they can chat about them
Enjoy interacting with the general public

Training:
Benefits of volunteering
Other information
For more information, contact:
This role requires moving a handling trolley through the museum to a location in the galleries, so you will need to be physically fit. You will also need good manual dexterity to handle the objects correctly.
You will need to demonstrate a sense of responsibility for the collection; all the objects are real museum artefacts.
Prior to joining the team, volunteers are required to attend a short training course.
Training includes object handling techniques, information on the objects you will be working with and how to engage with the public.
Each of the sessions has approximately 6 – 8 objects and you will be provided with information on each of them, however we actively encourage volunteers to do their own research and to further familiarise themselves with the galleries. The guidance notes supplied have many suggestions that you can use or adapt.
Volunteers become facilitators by mutual agreement with museum staff. They will then work independently in their pairs to set up and run the handling sessions without direct supervision.
We are a friendly and welcoming organisation
Become part of a team of friendly, enthusiastic and supportive volunteers.
An opportunity to develop and improve presentation skills
Interact with the general public and inspire visitors
Share your passion for history and the museum’s collection generally
Gain satisfaction from doing something that makes a difference in your local community
Opportunity to improve your CV
All equipment will be provided including museum t-shirt
All training will be provided
Free tea and coffee.
Debra Cox: museums@northampton.gov.uk