Steff and fellow archaeology student Hannah Cowie heard about the Howick Historical Village Internships from inquiring about volunteer opportunities around various museums. Natasha Philips, another archaeology student heard about the programme through a workmate. Debra Kane, the Collection Manager at Howick Historical Village informed the girls that she ran a successful internship programme whereby volunteers could gain practical experience of day to day collection tasks.

All three girls have stressed how important and beneficial the experience has been for them. Hannah says that an intern ‘will learn artefact handling skills, photography, logistics and collection care in storage, preservation and cleaning of objects, cataloguing and display design’. Natasha comments that ‘I learnt almost every aspect of front-line collection management, including accessioning and conservation strategies. Everyday I learnt something useful and new and got to meet a variety of wonderful people at Howick Historical Village and others in the heritage field.’

Sometimes however, the work could be less then pleasant. ‘Natasha and I worked in the attic above Sergeant Barry’s Cottage’ says Steff, ‘where it was so dusty and hot we had to wander outside every half hour just to retain our sanity.’ Dusty attics, small spaces, steep staircases and the occasional cockroach greeted the Village interns. The girls also had to be wary of inhaling chemicals while conducting borer treatments. Despite this, the girls are positive about their experience. ‘I’d always come home dirty and smelly, but smiley’ says Steff. Natasha adds ‘the Village was definitely the most scenic, peaceful backdrop for borer treating washboards.’

In return for their enthusiasm the girls were well looked after. They attended a workshop to learn how to remove rust from artefacts, and Natasha and Hannah participated in a short presentation about their work at a recent Auckland Museums Meeting. Steff received free training in the use of the Vernon database system. All three girls had the opportunity to complete a survey and offer their advice on improving the exhibits. Each girl completed a 6 month internship and was presented with a detailed reference.

The girls urge enthusiastic individuals serious about a career in museums and the heritage sector to get involved. It’s never too early to start. ‘At this stage in my life,’ Natasha says ‘I could afford to work without pay and took this opportunity to do just that. Quite a few volunteers have regretted not doing volunteer work when they were younger and had less financial responsibilities’. Steff adds, ‘It can be time-consuming, especially if you have to commute, but it’s worth it. The only way to gain experience is to go out and find it! Borer treat your way to the top!’

For more information on the Howick Historical Village internships contact Debra Kane, Collection Manager at deb@fencible.org.nz or phone (09) 576 9506.