RAMM’s Youth Panel is a group of young people with a passion for museums. They are instrumental in developing many areas of the museums work, especially when it comes to helping us make the museum more appealing to younger audiences.
Our current Youth Panel have planned and delivered exhibitions, youth focused events and developed a series of social media campaigns. Get to know them below!
Natasha
What is your favourite object?
My favourite object in the RAMM is the Seaton Down Hoard—it is an amazing part of the collection, containing thousands of Roman coins ranging in dates. It holds a lot of mystery which fascinates me in terms of context including the ownership and the purpose of the hoard.
Rebecca L
Why did you join RAMM’s Youth Panel?
As a History and Archaeology student, I have visited RAMM on many occasions, and found the prospect of being part of the Youth Panel very interesting. The opportunity to experience the inner workings of a museum, as well as contribute to an exhibition, greatly intrigued me.
Jess Mc
Why did you join RAMM’s Youth Panel?
I joined the Youth Panel as a way to get directly involved with my local museum and community, and also to collaborate with other creative young people!
Maya
What are you most looking forward to, or have most enjoyed?
I’ve most enjoyed meeting likeminded people, and being able to collaborate on an exhibition with them. And I’m most looking forward to developing my skills and becoming more familiar with different aspects of museum work.
Lizzie
What is your favourite object?
My favourite object at RAMM is Gerald the Giraffe. He was always my favourite part of visiting the museum when I was younger so I feel very nostalgic when I see him and I am reminded of happy memories spent at the museum.
Amelia
What are you most looking forward to, or have most enjoyed?
I’m looking forward to the conservation workshop and for the tour of the ark to see the ways in which artefacts are cared for, studied and preserved for future generations.
Rebecca W
What is your favourite object?
Since I can’t choose between them all, my favourite would be the wall of lithics the museum has. As an archaeology student whose favourite material is stone this doesn’t come as much of a surprise. I think they are not only interesting to look at but they also have the potential to teach us so much about the decisions made in how they were produced.
Maddie
Why did you join RAMM’s Youth Panel?
I had recently graduated University with a degree in Ancient History and Archaeology and wanted an opportunity to explore the possible career paths available for me. The Youth Panel seemed ideal for this because it allowed me the chance to gain experience in a number of skills that are beneficial for museum work (conservation, marketing, holding exhibitions).
Scarlet
What are you most looking forward to, or have most enjoyed?
I’m looking forward to our visit to the Ark archive in early March. I hope to see some local artefacts that aren’t in the museum itself.
Emma
What is your favourite object?
My favourite object in RAMM is the Exeter Puzzle Jug. It’s a very unique piece of pottery that I think tells us a lot about perspectives on religion in Exeter considering how well it has survived and been cared for before it’s loss and rediscovery. I wonder what the person who owned it would think of it being displayed in the museum – would they be glad that we appreciate it or mortified that a private joke is now so public?
Jess M
Why did you join RAMM’s Youth Panel?
I joined the Youth Panel because I wanted to gain new experience within a museum setting. I think as a 21-year-old that people in my age group should have the opportunities to get more involved in museums. Whether it be because their interested in museums collections or like me are interested in future careers within the sector. I hope my involvement on the Youth Panel will inspire others like me.