Welcome to the first edition of the Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums (AAGM) Volunteer Bulletin. We’ll publish this quarterly to keep you up to date with all the great things happening across our venues.
Volunteers help in many of our departments and play an important role in increasing enjoyment and understanding of our collections, making our spaces welcoming for many visitors.
We’re delighted you’re part of the team!
Helen Fothergill, Service Manager, Archives Galleries & Museums
“If I haven't met you yet I wanted to say hello and introduce myself a little. For those I've already met you may not know some of this, so here goes....
I started my career in museums, archives and galleries in 1991. I began as a volunteer in Bradford Museums, who quite frankly, didn't quite know what to do with me. I later found out I was the first volunteer they had hosted! I was so privileged to have the support of a great team who took me under their collective wing and taught me so much. Since that time I've worked in a few local authority museums and archives, I've seen a lot of changes across the sector and the UK, but across all of that I have advocated for and hugely appreciated fellow volunteers.
Without you we would be so much poorer and much reduced. You are the people that allow us to do more for the city, the collections and the people who make use of our services.
We (and more particularly, I) seriously appreciate what you do and I hope you enjoy working with us.
I often say that my door is always open - in fact I don't have one - but if you ever want to talk to me, challenge me or suggest new ideas you can!”
Helen
Hfothergill@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Volunteering at AAGM - a snapshot
In 2024, volunteers contributed 5,554 hours of their time across our service and 48 volunteers helped us to deliver nine events.
Every week, 20 people volunteer with us on a range of programmes. Here’s some of what’s happening across our venues.
Aberdeen-built Ships
Black and white photograph of motor coaster Anno under construction
Our Aberdeen Built Ships (ABS) volunteers have an unrivalled passion and knowledge of Aberdeen shipyards and shipbuilding. The Aberdeen-built Ships website is a record of over 3,000 vessels built in the city and was created by this dedicated team of volunteer experts. We’ve recently been joined by two new volunteers who are helping to digitise a range of black and white and colour photographs.
Look out for new interpretation from the group exploring maritime stories via the Bloomberg connects app.
Treasure Hub Open Days
Aberdeen Treasure Hub is where we store and care for our wide-ranging collection of 200,000 objects when they are not on public display. Our Open Day events take place three times per year and give people a look behind-the-scenes. Volunteers support tours and offer unique perspectives on the collection. Our next Open Day is on Saturday 9 August.
Archives
Volunteers have helped the Archives team prepare for the move out of Old Aberdeen House. Volunteers have
assisted the archives team in the enormous task of repackaging and moving collections
reduced the collection by over half, from 13,605 to 6,316 plans
listed these 6,316 plans to improve access to our archives
Our Aberdeen
Our Aberdeen is a relaxed and sociable session that takes place at the Treasure Hub on the first Thursday of the month. Supported by knowledgeable volunteers, each event explores the history of the North East via the collection. Inclusive and open to all, Our Aberdeen is part of our Wellbeing programme.
McBey Library
The McBey art reference library is named after local artist James McBey. After his death in 1959, his widow Marguerite donated his archive of books, letters, diaries and artworks to the gallery, making the city’s collection the best in the world.
The McBey Library sits at the heart of the Art Gallery building adjacent to Gallery 13 – McBey: Artist Adventurer. Over the last couple of years, volunteers have sifted, categorised, weeded and sorted the contents of the library. We’ll open the McBey Library in April to encourage visitors to view James McBey’s personal collection along with hundreds of reference books, all with links to our collection of art. Look out for updates and new volunteer opportunities as part of this project.
Musical Memories
Musical Memories is a friendly singing group for people with dementia, their partners, families, and friends. Supported by Alzheimer Scotland, the event was established by a group of local volunteers. In 2024, they welcomed 1,088 people to their events and supported their attendees to perform in Dementia the Musical at The Lemon Tree. Written by Ron Coleman, a Scottish playwright, who is living with a dementia diagnosis. The production toured Scotland and members of Musical Memories featured in the Aberdeen performance.
Why volunteer?
If you’ve signed up but not started volunteering yet, here are some reasons to join us:
Meet new people and build social networks
Support new and ongoing projects
Develop new skills and experience
Help to increase access to our buildings and collection
Assist visitors and support the community
Connect with other volunteers and hear about AAGM’s projects at regular Get Together events
Plus, all our volunteers get 20% discount at our retail and café. Email Amy to collect your special AAGM Volunteer Card to claim your discount.
What's On at our venues
Stay in Touch
Keep an eye on our social media @AbdnArtMuseums for upcoming events
Get in touch with Amy anytime at Amythomson@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Amy Thomson, Volunteer Liaison Officer
