: Community Engagement

Between October 2024 and May 2025, I have been lucky enough to volunteer within the archaeological collections of Amgueddfa Cymru. Every Thursday, myself and my fellow volunteers were able to handle, identify and catalogue a vast collection of prehistoric stone tools gathered by Henry Stopes in the late 19^th century. 

During our weekly sessions, we were encouraged by our supervisor, Principal Curator Elizabeth Walker, to understand and recognise the uses that these tools had within their communities across the globe. Beginning with this identification, we learnt how to categorise the tool’s usage based on their markings. We then numbered and categorised the tools using Stopes’ system so that they could be inputted onto the online database.

Our work as volunteers meant that Amgueddfa Cymru could succeed in completing its counting of the Stopes collection, which was acquired by the museum in 1912, allowing the collection to become fully accessible to the public. As a Cardiff University student, volunteering at Amgueddfa Cymru allowed me to gain experience relevant to my degree and work hands-on with artefacts ranging from flint arrowheads to jewellery made from bone! 

I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore the inner workings of this amazing institution and meet the dedicated professionals and volunteers that work within it. Being a volunteer has truly been an enriching and valuable experience!

Mayu Seguchi

Hi my name is Mayu Seguchi and I have just graduated with a BSc (Hons) in International Wildlife Biology from the University of South Wales. The most commonly asked question I’ve received since moving away from my small town in Michigan is “Why Wales”? My automatic response has always been to praise my university course for the extensive amount of travelling embedded into the curriculum. I recount stories about my experiences - like how an African elephant herd mock charged us in South Africa, or swimming in this gorgeous river in the Chiquibul Rainforest while rainbow marques flew overhead in Belize. I will tell anyone who listens about diving in the second largest barrier reef and how these nine dives cleaved open a new path I never expected to follow: marine biology. I went as far as selecting a dissertation on iguanas so that I could live on a small island off the coast of Honduras for two months, diving and snorkelling whenever I had a spare minute. 

Thus, when a placement opportunity became available to work with marine bristle worms aka polychaetes at National Museum Cardiff, I knew I had to apply. My first day was spent trying to avoid getting lost in the labyrinth they call hallways and start learning about the museum’s digitization methods used for specimens. It was only when I became settled that I really began to realize how amazing the collection I was working with was. The samples were obtained by R. D. Purchon from five locations along the Bristol Channel: Peterstone Wentlloog, Sully Island, Barry Harbour, Breaksea Point, and Dale Sands. This means every specimen I’m handling has resided in Welsh waters surrounding Cardiff! With only having travelled abroad for field work, it was easy to get enthralled by colourful reefs and larger marine mammals. This collection enlightened me to the gaps in my knowledge about species that I share a home with and provided me with the opportunity to learn. So now when people ask me why I moved to Wales, I can respond with “Why NOT Wales”? With all the beautiful wildlife, from puffins to polychaetes, there is so much to explore. 

At museums with large collections, like Amgueddfa Cymru, it is nearly impossible to register every conserved specimen that has been accessioned. However, this limits the amount of information that can be ascertained regarding a species, and that holds valuable insight into the fauna of Wales and the UK. Thus, my colleague, Caitlin Evans (see below), and I were tasked with 1) curating the specimens into the museum's database and 2) taking and attaching images to each specimen. I will be discussing the methodology used for curating the collection from Purchon (1950), before Caitlin continues into how we performed the imaging aspect of our work with the polychaetes. 

To curate the collection, I used the database FileMaker Pro with a museum developed template (Figure 1). For each specimen, I documented the collection’s name, accession number (a unique number enabling each specimen to be located), and the date the specimen was collected, as well as the specimen’s family, genus, and species. Each specimen also specified a collection site which, when paired with R. Denison Purchon’s Ph.D. on The Littoral and Sublittoral Fauna of the Northern Shores, near Cardiff and Dale Fort Marine Fauna edited by J.H. Crothers provided me with the information needed to determine the approximate latitude and longitude coordinates of the locality the specimen came from. Additionally, these papers supplied a greater context into the specimen’s collection site, with some individuals having descriptions on the surrounding sediment in which they were discovered. Once the sediment was recorded and these documents were complete, key identifying information was printed onto smaller labels to be preserved in the jar with the specimen (Figure 2). With the collection fully curated onto the museum’s database, it was time to begin the imaging process. 

Caitlin Evans

Imagine being able to learn and research animals that go completely un-noticed by humans. Polychaetes are marine invertebrates that some people don’t even know about due to their predominate nature of burrowing in the sand. They live all along the shoreline and tides of our favorite beaches and can get completely overlooked. I’m Caitlin, a Biology student currently in my final year completing my undergraduate degree in the University of South Wales. The opportunity of a summer placement at Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales came to me completely by chance, I had no real plan to take part in a placement. However, when one of my lecturers mentioned this chance, I knew I had to jump on the opportunity. When I began university, I wasn't sure which field I wanted to pursue. But as soon as I began studying ecology and zoology, I knew I had found my passion. I travelled to the Belizean rainforest and coast for a month, gaining hands-on experience on what it’s like to pursue a career in the field. From mist netting to scuba diving, this opportunity only solidified my interest. I am currently collecting data for my upcoming dissertation project on bat populations, collecting data for the Bat Conservation Trust alongside completing this placement, meaning my weeks are full of zoology-based activities.

During my time at the museum, I was tasked to curate and complete imaging practices on the Mendelssohn Collection by my supervisor Dr Teresa Darbyshire (Senior Curator: Marine Invertebrates). This is a large collection of around 115 fluid preserved specimens. They range from tiny samples that are barely noticeable to large worms that barely fit in their jars. The specimens in this collection have all been collected from Guernsey by J.M. Mendelssohn and have been preserved in ethanol. Working with this collection has allowed me to appreciate the biodiversity of a place I have never visited before. It gives a great insight to the nature that can be found there. 

As Mayu mentioned, the task of curating this collection involved thoroughly searching Mendelssohn’s PhD thesis from 1976 in order to discover exact locations of where the specimens were collected from. Through the use of the thesis and the help of trusty google maps, I was able to determine latitude and longitude coordinates for each specimen and log them into the database. Any and all information was inputted into the database including all taxonomic information and even sediment details. Once this was completed for every sample, we moved onto completing fresh labels for the physical fluid samples. This involved opening the samples and placing a new label into the jar. This allows for quick and easy identification of the specimen.

The next stage would be navigating through the maze down to the imaging room. 

The imaging process of these specimens involved being able to get physical experience of how to handle the preserved fluid specimens properly. Taking the preserved polychaetes out and being able to analyze the amazing details and evolutionary traits of these worms was truly amazing. The imaging allowed us to gain skills we would never be able to develop if it wasn't for the museum, including how to properly handle old specimens and even gave us a foundation in photography. During our time at the museum, we were lucky enough to trial a DISSCO-style project (Distributed System of Scientific Collections) which involves digitizing the collections of the museum, this extensive project includes ALL collections and it is hoped that the marine collections may form a part of it some time in the future (Figure 3).

The first step of the imaging process is to complete an audit image, this means to photograph everything that is present in the jar (Figure 4). Using forceps, we would take out the specimen(s) and place them in a petri dish full of ethanol. We would then take all of the labels, old and new, and lay them neatly in frame. Next was added a QR code for the DISSCO process. After photographing the fronts and backs of the labels and specimen, we would then move on to the specimen images. Next, more close up images such as Figure 5 are taken to help identification, for example, the lugworm Arenicola marina has a specific number of ‘rings’ on its head that is used to identify it. This process of specimen imaging takes numerous photos at different focal levels, which are then combined to create a crystal clear and detailed photograph. This final image is rendered by using the Helicon Focus software before transferring it to Photoshop to add a scale bar. This process was completed for both mine and Mayu’s collections (Figure 5). We switched jobs regularly, which allowed us both to progress our imaging skills further (Figure 6). The final task we completed during our time at the museum was using Photoshop in order to edit our images to make them clean and tidy. 

Our experience completing the placement has allowed us to gain valuable skills that are impossible to get anywhere else. It has been an incredible experience and has opened the door to the world of natural science and has been an amazing steppingstone for our future careers.

The entire natural science department has made our time in the museum fun and incredibly fascinating. In addition to the marine section, we were able to get an inside perspective of many other sections including vertebrates and botany which we are extremely thankful for, and working together has allowed us to develop new friendships. Thanks to the staff and our supervisor, Teresa Darbyshire, for creating a warm and welcoming environment for us to work in and making our time at the museum irreplaceable. They have expanded our knowledge greatly and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. 

As part of the Wales REACH (Residents Engaging in Arts, Culture and Heritage) project, we’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with groups from Innovate Trust and First Choice- two organisations supporting people with learning disabilities in Rhondda Cynon Taf and the Vale of Glamorgan. Over the past few months, we’ve come together for a series of creative workshops to connect with our local history and heritage through art and creativity.

Since starting REACH, we have held six museum-focussed workshops. We started off with a mindfulness walk around St Fagans National Museum of History. It gave us all a chance to slow down, notice our surroundings, and chat in a relaxed setting. It set a gentle and open tone, one that has carried through all the sessions since. 

One of the standout moments was a visit from our Principal Curator of Collection Development: LGBTQ+, Mark Etheridge. Mark shared powerful LGBTQ+ stories from the museum’s collections, which led to some thoughtful conversations. It gave the group space to reflect, ask questions and connect those stories to their own experiences. Rhys, one of the participants, said “The LGBTQ+ activity at St Fagans was important to me, after that I started to talk to people and be more open with the group about being gay”. Zac also added “this is for me, I’m gay so this is for me, look it’s cool”.

Inspired by objects from the museum, the group began creating their own artwork. Some people sketched out images and messages, while others designed T-shirts. What really stood out was the thoughtfulness behind each piece. Every design had meaning and reflected something real to the person who made it. According to Rhys, “Two of my favourite activities were the art lesson with Marion and designing a t-shirt about what being Welsh meant to me. I liked them because I liked sitting down with friends and support workers, just having fun and getting creative”.

Some of our more recent workshops focused Pride. Two of our Amgueddfa Cymru Producers led an engaging session about the history and significance of Pride, which sparked lots of curiosity and discussion. The group were tasked with creating bold, bright banners that could be carried in the parade. These sessions were full of enthusiasm, plenty of colours and a real sense of celebration. 

REACH is all about learning new skills and making new friendships. It is about telling unheard stories and strengthening and highlighting pride. It is about using the talents of local people to challenge the stigmas that their communities face. Hear what Eve, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator for First Choice, has to say: 

"Being part of the Wales REACH Project, I've loved seeing a core group form of people who are passionate about learning, sharing and creating. Wales REACH has provided the group with opportunities to try new things and form new friendships; some of these people may have never otherwise crossed paths despite their common interests. Their energy and enthusiasm has been infectious and it's been wonderful to join in with some of the sessions, hosted by kind and knowledgeable facilitators".

Keep an eye out for others upcoming blogs, showcasing the amazing work that’s been happening across all our participating communities. 

Wales REACH is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is a partnership between thirteen organisations and is led by The Open University and Amgueddfa Cymru. It is funded with a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The current phase started in autumn 2024 and is scheduled to run until autumn 2026.

Day 1 

What did we do today?

On our first day we went for a walk around the area expanding our understanding of the history of the quarries. In addition, we visited the Quarry Hospital learning more about illnesses and diseases that the quarries would face.

What skills did we learn from the experience?

School pupils had come to visit the Museum, so we learned how to work with visitors - especially younger children, and learned more about the area from listening to the presentation. While walking around the area, we certainly learned a lot more about the history of the quarries and the quarrymen.

Day 2

What did we do today?

Today we went to Penrhyn Castle. Here, we walked around the castle and watched a slate splitting demonstration. At the demonstration we learned more about the influence of slate, not only in Wales, but across the world. We also gathered feedback from viewers. While visiting the Castle, we discovered a bed made entirely from slate!

What skills did we learn from the experience?

When gathering feedback from the audience of the demo, we developed public engagement skills and received feedback and it was a means to gain confidence and communication skills.

Day 3

What did we do today?

A historic day today at the Quarry Hospital. We were able to expand our historical understanding of the hospital, the area, the quarries and the quarrymen. We then came back to the office to work on our blog and for a meeting.

What skills did we learn from the experience?

By working on the blog we have strengthened our design, proofreading and language skills. And of course, by spending time at the Quarry Hospital we were able to expand our historical understanding.

Day 4

What did we do today?

A historic day today at the Quarry Hospital. We were able to expand our historical understanding of the hospital, the area, the quarries and the quarrymen. We then came back to the office to work on our blog and for a meeting.

What skills did we learn from the experience?

By working on the blog we have strengthened our design, proofreading and language skills. And of course, by spending time at the Quarry Hospital we were able to expand our historical understanding.

Day 5

What did we do today?

Today we helped set up the Slate Museum stand for the Snowdonia Trail Marathon 2025. After that we came back to the office to finish our blog and the reels.

What skills did we learn from the experience?

By setting up the stall we strengthened our teamwork skills and our physical skills! By finishing the blog and the reels it allowed us to strengthen your editing and technology skills.

Head over to Facebook to see a Reel Cari and Mali made to document their time on work experience! 

Amgueddfa Cymru hosts a range of socials and celebration events to recognise and celebrate our volunteers throughout the year. Every summer we organise celebrations event at Cardiff, Swansea, Drefach Felindre, and North Wales to celebrate Volunteers’ Week.  Volunteers’ Week is a UK celebration of all thing volunteers and happens every year between 1-7 June. 

This year’s summer celebrations were unique!

We hosted our first ever street party outside our two iconic buildings, Oakdale Workmen’s Hall and The Vulcan Pub, at St Fagans. Over 60 volunteers across Cardiff attended to have vegan pizza with sides and an optional pint at The Vulcan. We also hosted our famous quiz, which this year seemed very fitting in The Vulcan. Craft Club Volunteers won this year’s quiz!

In North Wales due to the redevelopment work the National Slate Museum is currently closed, so volunteers choose to use this as an opportunity to visit the Museum on the Move and to attend a slate splitting demonstration by one of our demonstrating quarrymen who are currently based at Penrhyn Castle. The volunteers also enjoyed the opportunity to walk around the castle’s historic rooms, learning about the links between the castle and the slate industry. 

Volunteers at the GRAFT, National Waterfront Museum had a mosaic making session with an artist to create artwork with the prompt ‘what does the GRAFT garden mean to me’. This was followed by pizza and an awards ceremony celebrating the best weeder, water wizard, etc. We ended the session with a drumming session from One Heart Drummers.

Instead of our usual lunch and craft activity, volunteers at the National Wool Museum had a day out to visit the British Wool Sorting Depot and local museum. We did say unique! 

This is our way of saying Diolch to our amazing volunteers, that last year (2024-2025) donated over 34,880 hours!  

“Volunteers are a highly valued part of our family here at Amgueddfa Cymru. Volunteers enrich and add value to the way we inspire learning and enjoyment for everyone through the national collection of Wales. They enable a much wider, and more diverse range of voices, experiences and perspectives to contribute to the delivery of that core purpose than we could ever achieve solely through the staff body.  I started my culture and heritage career with a volunteering placement many years ago. Volunteering changed my life, and it’s wonderful to see the wide range of ways in which volunteering changes lives in Amgueddfa Cymru.” Jane Richardson, Chief Executive, Amgueddfa Cymru.

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