Felipe Martínez-Fernández

I volunteered at the Thackray Medical Museum for five months, from August to December of 2022. This experience was invaluable to me as it allowed me to develop professional skills relevant to my PhD studies and gain a deeper understanding of the value of historical research while connecting with a diverse audience.

Hands-on experience

During my time at the museum, I participated in the “handling kits” programme, which involved curated selections of historical objects that were safe and suitable for visitors to handle and interact with. 

As part of my responsibilities, I completed an audit of these kits, which involved several specific tasks. Firstly, I conducted new research on existing museum objects, ensuring that the information provided to visitors was accurate and up to date. Secondly, I updated the documentation for each handling collection, providing an overview of each kit's contents.

I created new resources, including my own interpretational text and photographs, to enhance the visitors’ experience. Finally, I made recommendations for the future use and storage of the handling objects, ensuring their long-term preservation.

Volunteering to gain new skills

Before coming to Leeds, I spent four years working at the National Archive of Chile, where I gained valuable professional experience. During my time there, I honed my communication skills through interactions with users and gained experience working in teams – both of which are essential skills in today's workplace.

With this background, I was eager to test my skills and gain new experiences in the UK, specifically in medical collections.

The Thackray Medical Museum provided me with the opportunity to develop transferable skills that would serve me well in my PhD studies and beyond.

Overall, my time at the Thackray Medical Museum was an enriching experience that allowed me to develop important skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the value of historical research and its impact on diverse audiences.

My experience at the Thackray Medical Museum had a significant impact on my PhD career. It fulfilled my long-standing desire to work in a museum setting, handling historical collections and engaging with visitors. I strongly believe that the sensory aspects of museum work are essential to stimulate curiosity and promote engagement.

Connecting with the public

There were three aspects of my experience at the Thackray Medical Museum that really enjoyed.

The work environment was excellent. Ross Horsley, the volunteer coordinator, was an exceptional person and mentor who provided great support throughout my time at the museum. Although I didn't have a lot of interaction with other staff members, our interactions were always cordial.

As a non-native English speaker communication was a challenge for me. However, I am proud of the results and the progress I made during my time at the museum.

I enjoyed connecting with the public who visited the museum. As someone who enjoys socializing, it was a great opportunity to observe and interact with visitors and see how they engaged with the exhibits. I also enjoyed spending time and chatting with the other volunteers.

The most enjoyable experience for me was when I got to act in a promotional video for the museum. I felt like a real actor while shooting the scenes.

Advice for future volunteers

I strongly encourage postgraduate researchers in humanities to seek professional experience outside of academia.

My supervisors were very supportive of my decision to pursue professional experience, and I believe that it has greatly enhanced my PhD experience.

Spending time in museums, archives, or special collections is an excellent way to broaden your knowledge and gain new skills.

I also think that we need to view the PhD experience in more creative ways. While writing and teaching are important components, the PhD should also be about fostering curiosity and exploring new audiences. By seeking out diverse experiences, we can expand our perspectives and develop new insights that will benefit us both in and outside of academia.

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