In the first of our series of ‘Meet the Volunteer’ profiles, we hear from Janet who is a volunteer in the Visitor Engagement team:
“I have been a regular visitor to the Museum for about 35 years, having started visiting with my children when they were growing up. I now visit with my grandchildren who are 5 and 6. I was always fascinated by the history and stories that the staff had to tell. I remember the lady in the Anchor Maker’s house – Bessie, I think – and the wonderful gentleman in the glass engraving shop; they were so interesting. I still love how everyone brings the museum to life. It is the best museum I have ever visited.
One day I was visiting on my own and I got chatting to one of the staff who told me that if I was interested, I could volunteer.
I began volunteering by taking part in February half term’s Beyond the Petticoat. It was so much fun and I was totally hooked; I loved being a small part of the event.
After some wonderful training from the staff, I now volunteer regularly on a Monday across the Toll House, Jerushah, Anchor Maker’s and the Back-to-Back House.
The first time a group of school children filed in and looked up at me with expectant faces, I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. But, it was a brilliant first-time experience. They even ended up thanking me!
For me, the best part of volunteering is the people I ‘ve met who’ve visited the Museum from places like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Russia, Hungary, Iran and Venezuela (to mention but a few). In fact, I am slowly filling in a world map of where visitors come from.
I just want to thank you for letting me volunteer. I can’t wait for Mondays to come round for me to step back in time!”
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