My name is Abigail Cassell. I have undertaken work experience at the Infirmary Museum as part of my studies at the University of Worcester. As I was unsure about my career path post-university, having multiple options to choose from, the opportunity to be placed into a museum setting has been excellent in allowing me to get an insight to the career of a curator. Alongside this, the museum has enabled me to broaden my history knowledge as medical history is not studied on the History course at Worcester. The Infirmary covers a vast range of medical and local history which I am sure will be a great benefit for the future.
During my placement, I have completed a range of many different tasks which have allowed me to get a real grasp of what the industry is like. One task I have completed is condition reports. Reviewing the condition of objects that the museum has within its storeroom, checking for any deterioration within the condition, any missing parts and stating what the object is suitable for (e.g. display or loan). Looking at the hundreds of objects I have been given to choose from was a real eye opener on the medical equipment used within the past. It was interesting to see what different objects were used for and how this has developed from the initial creation to now. One example that springs to mind is a tongue compressor where they have change from being a metal that was sanitised after each use to a one-use wooden stick. However, some medical instruments haven’t overly changed like the Pre-Natal Stethoscope. Modern versions may take a different design but the way they function is the exact same.
Harriet also gave me the opportunity to adapt some of the displays by turning the pages in different books which can be seen throughout the museum. This gave me a real insight into curating and making sure the displays are suitable and look good to the public. Some other tasks I have completed include enhancing the use of the loan box by adding a PowerPoint teachers can use to explain to children what the items are, how they function and how they may have developed into the modern day.
In addition to this, I have assisted Harriet (curator of the Infirmary Museum) with some school tours and created a quiz for the children to work on during their time in the museum on the visit. Furthermore, I have being working on a trail for the museum which will be accessible to any visitors to enhance the engagement of people with the history of the setting and give an opportunity for people to think about things outside of their visit. I used this trail with a group of year 1 and 2s who visited the museum for a tour which I led myself. Another great opportunity and experience given to me by Harriet.
Overall, I have had a brilliant experience at the museum which is valuable to my career steps when finishing university next year, giving me a great insight into how a curating career would look like. I would encourage people to visit the Infirmary as it is a great place to learn about the advances of medical history but for many people, it is a way of learning about the significance that events that happened so close to home had on the way medical care developed.