Author: Sandra Flack
1. Transferrable talents and skills
You may think ‘what would I know about museums?’ But you will find you have hidden talents that can be transferrable. With a background in retail management, I have communication and people skills, organisational skills, and my merchandising experience is according to our Director- very exciting for the new museum! As a volunteer, your input is always valued.
2. Hidden treasure
Hidden treasures are everywhere. And who doesn’t like a good treasure hunt?
Things I have found and loved:
- Baby or small children items such as; children’s scales, shoe anvil, wheelchairs for children and admission files from as young as 1 year and 9 months
- Kitchen items such as; a bread maker that cut slices, storage containers, recipe books
- Photos, especially those thought lost or have not been seen in a very long time
- Restraint methods and clothing. Lockable boots, straight jackets, leather mittens
- Medical admission stories, fascinating, sad, tragic, thoughtful and promising
3. Sense of achievement
Starting your volunteer journey with the Museum of Health and being there at the opening of the museum will be such an achievement and a massive proud moment to celebrate with your volunteer family. You find satisfaction everyday. You're making a difference and that is such a good feeling. You work with a like-minded team who are supportive, friendly, and like to have fun while they work.
4. Part of something big
You are part of bringing history to life for the wider community. It brings an amazing insight into our past. You find stories that make you reflect on the past but also look forward to the future.
5. You learn very interesting things
I have certainly learned some interesting things about the roles and ideas of mental health asylums in early Australian settlement. Some of the causes of admission are varied, such as wandering at large or being homeless or for being melancholic after having a baby. Undiagnosed schizophrenia was often spoken of and sexual, religious, and royalty mania (delusions of being part of a royal family) was very common. Also many inmates thought they had invented something never seen before. Menopause went undiagnosed and many husbands admitted their wives for talking to themselves or wanting to hurt their other children.
These are five things you can expect, but there is also the unexpected! Things I didn’t expect to get from volunteering with the Museum of Health team was:
A connection to a relative I never knew existed.
A renewed interest in writing a book. A passion for history that has me losing sleep at night.
New and important friendships.
A real sense of community.
Volunteer with the Museum of Health today
