Hello From Our New Museum Assistant

• by charlottee
• in Museum
• posted July 23, 2021

Following the turbulence of the last year, I decided to take the plunge and apply for a role within a museum where I could work with both objects and the local community. I have been incredibly lucky to join the team here as Museum Assistant, and I can bring the experiences I have from being fortunate enough to gain whilst working in different museums and heritage sites over the years to the role. I am very much looking forward to contributing to the amazing work that has taken place in recent years. Following my relocation from my work in Bath, I am also looking forward to exploring the area and getting stuck in with all the exciting upcoming projects that the Museum has in store!

I have just started my third week in the museum, and I have already had some incredible opportunities to handle objects within the collection, go into one of the display cases and help to install the object of the month for July. I have also had the chance to help with maintenance of the train to ensure it keeps running for the visitors to enjoy. Other aspects of my role include assisting with preparing exhibitions, group and educational visits, and public events such as Heritage Open Days. The focus of involving and engaging the community with the museum collection is one of the most exciting elements of working at the Newton Abbot Museum.

Another part of my new role is to undertake pest management within the museum, which involves checking the traps for tiny insects that like to dine on artefacts such as books or costumes. To help with these museum pests, why don’t you have a go at creating your own bug hotel (information on how to create these is widely available) and encourage those pesky bugs to find more suitable accommodation!

So, it has been a busy and varied start to my new role, and I look forward to sharing with you more aspects of what it is a Museum Assistant does.