Volunteer Opportunities

Making of Maidstone Project

Author

Jack Newman

Published

July 13, 2025

Welcome to Our Research Community

The Making of Maidstone project offers unique opportunities for volunteers to engage directly with historical research, learn new skills, and contribute to preserving our town’s heritage. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, we’ll provide training and support to help you make meaningful contributions to this important work.

No prior experience required • Full training provided • Supportive community

Ready to Start?

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and experience levels. Choose one area to focus on, or explore multiple opportunities as your interests develop.

Contact Us to Get Started

Dive into Maidstone’s Documentary Heritage

Transform centuries-old handwritten records into accessible digital resources. You’ll work with original historical documents that tell intimate stories of Maidstone’s people and places.

What You’ll Work With
📋 Original Wills

Family histories, possessions, and social relationships revealed through testamentary documents

⚖️ Legal Records

Court proceedings, disputes, agreements, and legal transactions that shaped daily life

🏛️ Town Records

Governance documents, civic proceedings, and administrative records of municipal life

⛪ Parish Records

Births, marriages, deaths, and community events that formed the backbone of local society

Skills You’ll Develop

Palaeography
Reading historical handwriting from different periods

Digital Cataloguing
Creating searchable databases and online resources

Research Methods
Systematic approaches to archival investigation

Historical Context
Understanding governance and law in past centuries


Explore Maidstone’s Physical History

Combine detective work with pleasant walks around town! Uncover the stories behind Maidstone’s streets, buildings, and spaces through hands-on exploration and archival research.

Research Activities
🚶 Walking Surveys

Systematic documentation of historical buildings and streetscapes

🏛️ Architectural Investigation

Researching the history and significance of specific buildings

🗺️ Urban Development Analysis

Tracking how neighborhoods and landmarks evolved over time

📍 Settlement Mapping

Understanding historical growth patterns and demographic changes

Skills You’ll Develop

Architectural History
Reading buildings as historical documents

Spatial Analysis
Using maps and geographical thinking in research

Documentation
Photography and systematic recording techniques

Urban Planning
Understanding how towns develop over time


Biographical Research

Research the individuals who shaped Maidstone’s history - from mayors and merchants to ordinary families. Every person has a story that contributes to understanding historical Maidstone.

Research Focus Areas
⭐ Notable Residents

Politicians, merchants, clergy, and other influential figures

👪 Ordinary Lives

Working people and families whose experiences illuminate daily life

🌳 Family Networks

Genealogical connections revealing social structures

👔 Professional Communities

Guilds, trades, and occupational groups that shaped economic life

Skills You’ll Develop

Genealogical Research
Tracing families across generations

Source Analysis
Evaluating different types of evidence

Database Management
Organising research systematically

Historical Writing
Crafting engaging narratives


Historical Literature Analysis

Synthesise Five Centuries of Historical Writing

Examine how Maidstone’s history has been told and retold over 500 years. Discover changing perspectives, identify gaps in knowledge, and help create comprehensive resources for future researchers.

Research Materials
📜 Early Chronicles

16th and 17th-century accounts and historical records

🎩 Victorian Studies

19th-century antiquarian work and local historical societies

🎓 Modern Scholarship

20th and 21st-century academic research and publications

📖 Unpublished Works

Manuscripts, dissertations, and private historical research

Skills You’ll Develop

Historiographical Analysis
Understanding changing interpretations

Literature Reviews
Systematically surveying scholarship

Source Evaluation
Assessing reliability and perspective

Digital Humanities
Using online tools and databases


Training & Support

Comprehensive Learning Program
🎯 Initial Orientation

Introduction to the project and basic research methods

🛠️ Skill Workshops

Specialised training in your chosen area of interest

👥 Ongoing Mentorship

Regular support from experienced researchers

📚 Resource Access

Training materials, guides, and necessary tools

Flexible Participation Options

⏰ Time Commitment

  • Weekly sessions for regular volunteers
  • Monthly workshops for lighter involvement
  • Project-based tasks for specific contributions
  • Event support for occasional participation

📈 Experience Levels

  • Complete beginners welcome
  • Existing skills valued and utilised
  • Advanced projects for experienced volunteers
  • Complementary expertise appreciated

Ready to Get Involved?

Join our community of volunteer researchers and help uncover the fascinating history of Maidstone.

Every contribution matters - from transcribing a single document to leading a research project. Help us preserve Maidstone’s heritage for future generations.

Next Steps
  1. 📞 Contact Us - Express your interest and learn about current opportunities
  2. 🎓 Attend Orientation - Join an information session about the project
  3. 🎯 Choose Your Focus - Select the area that interests you most
  4. 📚 Begin Training - Start with orientation and specialised skills development
  5. ✨ Start Contributing - Make meaningful contributions to Maidstone’s historical record

The Making of Maidstone project believes that local history belongs to the entire community. Everyone has something valuable to contribute to understanding our shared past.