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- Tasks: Uncover hidden historical gems and contribute to future exhibitions at Union Chapel.
- Company: Join Union Chapel, a vibrant arts venue with a rich history and commitment to social justice.
- Benefits: Gain professional references, develop skills, and enjoy access to exclusive events.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting project that merges culture, community, and heritage while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Passionate about local history, reliable, detail-oriented, and able to read cursive writing.
- Other info: Short-term role for 3 months, with remote opportunities available in early 2025.
Are you a “history detective”? Do you enjoy revealing hidden gems of historic moments? Are you someone who likes to question? Did the famous 19th c. classical composer Samuel Coleridge Taylor of Sierra Leonean descent ever visit Union Chapel? What happened here during WW2?
Answer these questions by being a part of an exciting time here at Union Chapel; as we discover the stories of Nonconformist Christianity, music of the ages and peel away the layers of history hidden within our archive.
You will:
• Pick out interesting historical facts about Nonconformist Christianity, the Music at Union Chapel and/or Childhood to be used in our interpretation/future exhibitions
• Make discoveries in the archives of our neighbours by conducting research in other archives such as the Islington History Centre, LGBTQ+ Archive etc, to bridge the gaps and contextualise Union Chapel’s 200+ year history
About you:
• Passionate about researching and uncovering the stories of local history
• Reliable and flexible
• Can read cursive writing well
• Good attention to detail
• Great organisational skills
• An independent worker
• Bonus: interested in organ compositions!
Benefits
• A professional reference for future career opportunities
• Chance to discover new interesting facts and make your mark
• Development of skills
• Be a part of the curation of future exhibitions
• Access to Union Chapel Guest list to attend shows and events (subject to availability)
Availability: – For 2 hours on Monday’s weekly, starting from 13th January 2025 onwards.
Duration: – This is a short-term role lasting 3 months.
There is a preference for those with some knowledge of the local history in and around Islington; as well as those who have had past researching experiences.
This volunteer position requires someone who is comfortable climbing lots of stairs and carrying heavy boxes at times due to restrictive conditions of the building. However, remote opportunities will also be available in early 2025.
How to apply:
Please send your CV to the contact email address below. If you do in fact have prior research experience, indicate what you did in a short cover letter.
Further Union Chapel context:
Union Chapel is home to a unique multi award-winning arts venue, with a reputation for international cultural events engaging diverse audiences. For over 30 years, events have been our lifeblood, annually engaging 123,000+ visitors through 175 events.
Union Chapel is more than a venue. A Grade I listed Gothic architectural jewel and key heritage space with a rich history and archive, it is home to secular projects tackling homelessness and social justice, including empowering local communities with support, creative activities, and training and employability programmes. It is also the home to a working, progressive and inclusive church. Profits from events directly support our vital charitable work with local communities and we are a model of good practice for community engagement – epitomised by our Margins Café, run by hospitality trainees with lived experience of homelessness, serving meals both for the community drop-in service, and for audience members prior to events.
SUNDAY SCHOOL STORIES PROJECT
This is an exciting time to join Union Chapel as we have just launched the capital works to refurbish our Sunday School Hall into as a state-of-the-art arts and heritage centre, hosting first-class creative engagement programmes co-created with local communities around Union Chapel’s unique heritage and archive. Supported by a range of funders including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this new space will further position Union Chapel as a unique organisation, bringing culture, community, social justice and heritage together in union; and the work is starting now!
Volunteer with us to help shape and deliver this exciting programme. What you’ll get in return:
- A chance to work with an experienced and enthusiastic team on an exciting new programme of activities with training and support to enable you to carry out your role.
- A chance to develop new skills.
- Opportunities to meet new people.
- References for future employment and volunteer roles, on request.
Archive Research Volunteers (History Detectives) employer: UNION CHAPEL PROJECT
Contact Detail:
UNION CHAPEL PROJECT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Archive Research Volunteers (History Detectives)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the history of Nonconformist Christianity and the significance of Union Chapel. This will not only help you in your research but also show your genuine interest during any discussions with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your cursive writing skills! Being able to read historical documents is crucial for this role, so practice reading various styles of cursive to enhance your ability to decipher old texts.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with local historians or join community groups focused on Islington's history. This can provide you with valuable insights and connections that may aid your research and demonstrate your commitment to local history.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss any previous research experiences you have had. Think about specific projects or findings that relate to local history, as this will help you stand out as a candidate who is ready to contribute immediately.
We think you need these skills to ace Archive Research Volunteers (History Detectives)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant research experience, especially in local history or archives. Emphasize skills like attention to detail and organizational abilities that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, briefly describe your prior research experiences and how they relate to uncovering historical stories. Show your passion for history and mention any specific interests, such as organ compositions.
Showcase Your Skills: Mention your ability to read cursive writing and any experience you have with archival research. Highlight your reliability and flexibility, as these are key traits for this volunteer position.
Express Enthusiasm for the Role: Convey your excitement about the opportunity to work at Union Chapel and contribute to their heritage projects. Let them know why you want to be part of their team and how you can make a difference.
How to prepare for a job interview at UNION CHAPEL PROJECT
✨Show Your Passion for History
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for uncovering local history and the stories behind it. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've worked on that demonstrate your passion for research and historical discovery.
✨Highlight Your Research Skills
Discuss your previous research experiences, especially if they relate to archives or local history. Be prepared to explain how you approach research, including any specific methods or tools you use to find and analyze information.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since this role requires good attention to detail, provide examples of how you've successfully managed detailed tasks in the past. This could include anything from organizing data to interpreting cursive writing.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Flexibility and Reliability
The position requires someone who is reliable and flexible. Be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and commitments, and provide examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles.
