BSHS PG Engagement Fellowship with Pump Room Museum, Harrogate

Fee payable to Fellow: £1000
Deadline for applications: Friday 16 December 2016
Fellowship to be completed by: end June 2017

The Royal Pump Room Museum, Harrogate, are delighted to be hosting a BSHS Engagement Fellowship in the first half of 2017. Supported by the British Society for the History of Science, this post will enable a current postgraduate student to carry out research in the history of science, drawing on the unique collections at the Museum. The Fellowship, which is worth £1000, provides for one month’s work, taken flexibly, and the successful applicant will collaborate with museum staff to produce public-facing outputs, as well as inform future gallery developments, developing valuable skills in object-based research, partnership working and public engagement. The Fellow will also be able to draw on up to £500 to support engagement activities, which might include gallery trails, public workshops and education events, or object biographies.

The museum is surrounded by springs which were used medicinally as the sulphur waters were very popular as a remedy for digestive ailments, gout, rheumatism and skin disease. The Pump Room was built in 1842 and people paid to drink inside. On one morning in 1926 around 1500 glasses of water were served. The Museum has not looked in any detail at the science behind the sulphur so the Fellow will be able to lead a new, visitor friendly approach to how we interpret this important history and make positive connections to life in Harrogate today.

Research and activity will have both an immediate benefit and contribute to lasting change as a significant capital project to improve the museum is planned over the next two years.
To apply please email the Curator, May Catt (may.catt@harrogate.gov.uk) to whom queries about the role can also be addressed by telephone (01423 56188).
Please set out why this appeals to you on no more than one side of A4 and include your CV.


For more general enquiries about the scheme contact Dr James Stark (j.f.stark@leeds.ac.uk).