Vacancy - Oral History Project Lead (Applications closed)
Fixed fee of £19,400 over approx. 12 months, starting December 2022.
We are looking for a freelance Oral History Project Lead to co-ordinate the oral history project and support the co-creation of a digital resource - the Digital Museum, focusing on oral histories and the ‘Secret Listeners’.
Trent Park House, in Enfield, is recognised by Historic England as being of significance on a par with Bletchley Park. One of London's grandest houses, it was home to the 'Secret Listeners' during World War II - a story that has remained hidden in the house for over 70 years The Trust is currently working on establishing a museum across the restored stately rooms on the ground floor and the atmospheric basement alongside a digital museum which will feature a digital gallery of individual Secret Listeners, learning resources for schools, and additional video content including local migration stories and behind-the-scenes insights into the lead up to opening the House to the public.
Working closely with the Community Enagagement Officer, Academic Research Lead and other team members, you will play a crucial role in leading the oral history project, collecting oral histories from those with a personal connection to the history of Trent Park House as well as helping to forge new and sustained relationships with local communities through participation projects.
You will provide coordination, direction & guidance for oral history research projects, supported by Community Engagement Manager & Academic Researcher; Contact known family members of former Secret Listeners to secure oral history interviews; Research and carry out a number of life story and shorter interviews on location using own initiative and creative judgement in developing strands of further investigation; Conduct interviews alongside participants with Secret Listeners and further subjects identified through oral research projects; Support the training of between 10-30 community participants in oral history interview skills and develop innovative ways to share the collected histories and how they will contriute to both the Digital Museum project and the development of the interpretation in the museum.
You will have at least 3 years experience of designing and delivering oral history programmes in a cultural setting which will include experience and education in public history and oral history projects including working with underrepresented communities. You must have outstanding leadership and relationship-building skills, understanding of best practice in gathering oral histories, audience-focused approaches and audience engagement through digital resources, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a keen interest in the history of Trent Park House.
A full job description can be found here.
Apply
Please send a CV and covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) to Kate Francis by Friday 25 November 2022 outlining your suitability for the role and indicative cost breakdown of your time to fulfil the role. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed remotely, by MS Teams or Zoom. The provisional date for interviews is Friday 2 December 2022. The appointed person will be able to work both remotely and in Enfield and the surrounding area.
