Staying active during lockdown

By Daniel Miller

Since I was small, I have always been fascinated by history and have enjoyed visiting museums, with lots of great museums and local history nearby. This led to me study History and Archaeology at Newcastle University and then to gain a Masters degree in Museum Studies.

I began volunteering at Beamish Museum as a Costumed Demonstrator, following a work placement when I was 14, which had been organised by the charity Whizz-Kidz.

I continued to do this until I left university, with my powered wheelchair being the most recent artefact in the 1940s farm where I volunteered.

However, I now volunteer as a researcher, assisting with the new ‘Remaking Beamish Project’. As part of this project the Museum aims to recreate part of a 1950s town.

I am also a member of the Museum’s Access Panel, which through reviewing visitor comments, consider where any improvements need to be made, and discussing any new aspects, ensures the Museum is as accessible as possible. Both activities I really enjoy, especially as they are enabling me to put my Masters studies to good use.

I have been lucky that my family have helped me to travel to a wide range of interesting places, including many World Heritage sites both in the UK and abroad such as Durham Cathedral, Hadrian’s Wall, Pompeii, Olympia, and Rome.

However, one of my favourites has got to be the Spanish town of Cartagena where you can view the fascinating remains of a Roman theatre and explore an underwater archaeology museum.

In September last year I began writing a monthly Accessible Heritage blog During lockdown I am highlighting how museums and other heritage venues can be accessed virtually.

My love of writing is also extending at the moment to reflections and prayer material for our local church which is being shared online for anyone to access, as well as writing quiz material which my younger sister is using weekly with her friends from university to keep in touch. My family also takes part in the weekly quiz with other family friends.

So whilst lockdown maybe hard, in many ways as I cannot get out physically to socialise and visit all the places I usually enjoy. I am still able to write, share my love of history, and most importantly to have fun!