The award-winning Egypt Centre at Swansea University is inviting past and present volunteers to help celebrate its 25th anniversary.
To mark this incredible milestone, volunteers are being asked to share stories from their time at the museum, which will be shared during a celebration event on Saturday 7 October.
This free hybrid event will celebrate the achievements of the Egypt Centre through exclusive presentations and unveilings, including the opening of the first Harrogate collection exhibition entitled Causing Their Names to Live.
Since opening its doors in September 1998, the Egypt Centre has helped thousands of people meet new friends, learn new skills, get on a career path, and help run Wales’ only Egyptian museum.
Museum Manager Wendy Goodridge is proud to have been the first-ever volunteer.
Wendy said: “Having been at the museum since 1997, before the doors officially opened, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing two and a half decades of dedication, discovery, and community, all helping to shape the Egypt Centre into the remarkable institution it is today.
“The unwavering commitment of our invaluable volunteers has been the cornerstone of its success, and now, as we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to honour the legacy they’ve helped build.”
Dr Ken Griffin also began his time at the museum as a volunteer in 2000 as a first-year Egyptology student. Now, 23 years later, he is the curator.
Dr Griffin said: “Volunteers truly are at the heart of what we do; without their commitment and passion, we wouldn’t be able to offer the public an opportunity to learn about the culture and people of Ancient Egypt.”
Over the years, the Egypt Centre has consistently been recognised for its impact, with a shortlisting for both the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award and the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year category at the Times Higher Education Awards.
Most recently, volunteer Sam Powell received the prestigious Welsh Regional Marsh Award for Museum Learning.
On how the Egypt Centre has impacted her, Sam said: “The museum has been such an amazing support throughout both my undergraduate and master’s degrees at Swansea University, and volunteering has been an incredible opportunity.”
Individuals can share how the Egypt Centre has positively impacted their lives by submitting a video of around 30 seconds to Dr Griffin at k.griffin@swansea.ac.uk.
Register for your place at the Egypt Centre’s 25th Anniversary Celebration.
Find out more about volunteering at the Egypt Centre.
