Uppermill Methodist Church

My name is Emma and I have just finished my second year studying History.
One of my second year modules was a work placement module consisting of 180 hours of work experience. I decided to split my hours into 2 placements, as I wanted the chance to experience different career options. 

One of my placements was to create an exhibition chronicling the history of Uppermill Methodist Church. I chose this placement as I am interested in working in museums and heritage, and it would be an excellent opportunity to independently enhance my creative and practical skills, which I had already started to develop in the exhibition task for Hands on History.

My task was to create an exhibition in celebration of the Church’s bicentenary (200th anniversary.) Thus my initial research covered an extensive period. I carried out research in archives for the earlier history of the church, from the creation of a Wesleyan Chapel in 1813 up to the Second World War. For accounts of church activity from the 1950s onwards, I interviewed members of the Church’s congregation, past and present. Once I had all the information I needed I began to piece together the content of the exhibition.

Writing the exhibition’s content filled up the bulk of my placement. Despite the solidarity of the task, I enjoyed having the freedom to write when I had the chance. I obviously still had to work in a specific time frame (of 4 weeks), but I could space my hours out to fit around my other studies. 

Once I completed the exhibition’s content, the creative side of my placement came into being. Up until this point, it may seem that I did must of this work alone, but I must stress that is not the case. I had the help of a small team of members from the Church’s congregation, who are a lovely group of people.  I had regular meetings with this group to discuss my progress and next steps. They helped me to get in touch with other church members for interviews, explained what I needed to find in the archives and answered any general questions I had. When it came to mounting the exhibition, I had creative control over how it would look and how it would be laid out, but it would have taken a long time to set up on my own. Ultimately I owe a big thank you to this group of helpers for their hard work and dedication to the exhibition.

I still have a few hours left for this placement, and to fill these hours it has been suggested that I write various articles for historical organisations and magazines, starting with an article for the Saddleworth Historical Society Bulletin. I will also help to duplicate the exhibition to be displayed in the church during its other bicentenary celebrations.

I have really enjoyed my placement with Uppermill Methodist Church. I believe it has helped me to improve my independent research skills. Although it hasn’t been a typical heritage placement with a museum or historical organisation, I still feel I have gained an insight into the work involved in this sector. I hope that it will help me to stand out and enrich my chances of working for a museum in the future!

Currently the finishing touches are being added to the exhibition, which is due to be displayed in Saddleworth museum at the beginning of June 2013. (http://www.saddleworthmuseum.co.uk) I’d really appreciate it if people could come to see the exhibition. If you do find the time to come, please leave your comments and ideas. Constructive criticism is welcomed!

For further information on the church’s bicentenary celebrations: http://www.uppermillmethodistchurch.org.uk