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3 people are interested
York Observatory Volunteer
ORGANIZATION: York Museums Trust
Please visit the new page to apply.
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3 people are interested
The Yorkshire Museum is one of a very small number of museums in the UK that has a working observatory. The York Observatory, built in 1831 with a telescope made in 1850 by the celebrated York telescope maker Thomas Cooke, is a prominent feature of the Museum
Our volunteers open the observatory for visitors, explaining the history of the building and the collections it houses. We demonstrate how the historic telescope operates. There are opportunities to learn how to do night time observing sessions and run evening sessions for visitors and specialist groups during the autumn and winter months, but this is optional and is not the core part of the role.
The aim of the project is to increase awareness of astronomy in York and the role York has played in the history of that science. It offers a unique experience for willing volunteers to work in a stunning Victorian observatory and interact with members of the public.
No specific astronomical skills or knowledge are required, but a keen interest in astronomy and/or history is essential as volunteers are asked to learn about the history of astronomy in York and impart this knowledge to visitors in an interesting and enthusiastic manner.
The observatory runs on a rota basis. We currently open from 11:30am - 2:30pm every Thursday and every Saturday throughout the year and we try to open on extra days whenever we can. The minimum time commitment is one Saturday or weekday session every 2 or 3 weeks, though obviously volunteers can do much more if they want to.
More opportunities with York Museums Trust
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About York Museums Trust
Location:
St Marys Lodge, Marygate, York, YO30 7DR, GB
Mission Statement
Our Vision is: for York Museums Trust to play a major part in positioning York as a world class cultural centre.
Our mission is: To cherish and enhance the collections, buildings and gardens entrusted to us, presenting and interpreting them as a stimulus for learning, a provocation to curiosity and a source of inspiration and enjoyment for all.
And our strategic objectives are:
1. To protect and conserve the collections, gardens and buildings
2. To promote access to the collections, gardens and buildings appropriate to the 21 st Century
3. To create learning opportunities for all and develop innovative programmes springing from the collections, gardens and buildings
4. To network and collaborate with partners and contribute to the development of the economic and cultural life of the city and the region
5. To raise substantial funds to realise these aims
Description
York Museums Trust is an independent charitable trust established in August 2002 to manage York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum and Gardens, York Art Gallery and York St Mary's, all of which were formerly managed by the City of York Council. The Trust cares for the collections and manages the buildings that they occupy, working in partnership with the City of York
Council to improve the museums and gallery for local residents and visitors to the city.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Yorkshire MuseumMuseum GardensMuseum StreetYork, North Yorkshire YO1 7FRUnited Kingdom
DATE POSTED
February 15, 2017
SKILLS
- Customer Service
- Astronomy
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 18
- At least one 3 hour session per month