News Internship Headstone and Manor Museum

By Felipe (Intern at Headstone Manor)

I’m Felipe, a second-year undergraduate history student from Queen Mary University who fascinated by modern European history and social changes.

With my interest in mind, this internship at the Headstone and Manor Museum turned out to be fascinating, as I had the chance to work closely with primary sources depicting the unprecedented economic and social changes in Harrow over the last few decades. These primary sources included well-preserved photographs of Harrow from as early as the 1960s, which I had to catalogue following the guidance of an experienced archivist.

Cataloguing these photographs included locating the exact coordinates of where the photo was taken, as well as providing a detailed description of what can be seen in the photo and finally how the specific place has changed since the photo was taken. Therefore, since even a road sign could assist me in analysing the photo, this activity demands a high level of attention to detail, an ability that I can undoubtedly notice significant improvements. Particularly, those who appreciate having their stuff tidy and organised will most likely fit right in, as keeping the collection organised is essential for success in this sector.

Furthermore, I had exciting interactions with the public, for instance, in helping to organise the ‘Tuesday Talk’, a compelling presentation about the history of Whitefriars Glass. I had the delightful opportunity to see the Whitefriars glass pieces in discussion exhibited in the Granary! Although I have always considered myself slightly shy, welcoming the audience into the Great Barn and helping with the logistics of it was remarkably pleasant. My experiences with the public really boosted my overall confidence in social settings.

The role of an archivist is one that requires sharp analytical skills and careful manual handling, skills that are paramount for a successful archivist. During my time at the museum, these skills proved indispensable for setting up my first ever exhibition, still in display in the Museum Café, covering impressive photographs and items collected by a Moroccan traveller.

What struck me the most during my placement was observing the social changes that have occurred in Harrow, from the effects of deindustrialisation to urbanisation and the growing diversity of the borough. While at the same time, being face-to-face with the impressive buildings forming the museum site that are centuries old. Having close contact with the public and seeing the positive impact of museums on communities also encouraged me to acknowledge even more the importance of public history, an approach that has been increasingly appreciated in academia.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time at the Headstone and Manor Museum, and I could not recommend it enough for anyone interested in the heritage sector, as this mind-opening experience proved fundamental for my professional self-development.