Traveller outreach on Midsummer Common - Cambridgeshire

From the University of Cambridge Museum

The Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology (MAA) and The Polar Museum went out to work with young travellers on Midsummer Common last Thursday 20 and Friday 21 June. Delivered in partnership with Cambridge County Council’s Traveller Education Unit and the University of Cambridge Public Engagement Team both museums provided hands on activities for children and young people travelling with the fair.

Sarah-Jane Harknett and Lorena Bushell from MAA took jewellery from all over the world for the children to handle as well as craft activities based on the collections. The children made a variety of things including sharks’ teeth necklaces or door hangers (some complete with felt tip ‘blood spots’) and masks based on Maori designs and forehead ornaments like one from the Solomon Islands. One of S-J’s highlights was when one of the boys remembered the archaeology activities from the previous year and asked if she could bring along “the little Egyptian mummy and the arrowhead” for him to see again next year.

Naomi Chapman from the Polar Museum and I went out the following day with objects and photographs from the museum. The children were able try on a modern day Polar explorer outfit and compare it to what Scott and his team would have worn, they also planned what food they would take with them on an expedition and found out what Scott and his team ate. There was even the chance to make a penguin! One of my favourite moments was when one of the girls started to teach the other children how to make penguins, at one point she was leading a group of 5 young people through the activity.

We had 34 children taking part in the activities, so the sessions were busy but a lot of fun. We are already looking forward to taking part again next year!

Marie Kennedy, Children & Young People’s Widening Participation Officer, University of Cambridge Museums