Volunteer Opportunities
Making of Maidstone Project
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
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and experience levels. Choose one area to focus on, or explore multiple opportunities as your interests develop.
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 You’ll work with original historical documents that tell intimate stories of Maidstone’s people and places.
- 📋 Original Wills
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Family histories, possessions, and social relationships revealed through testamentary documents
- ⚖️ Legal Records
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Court proceedings, disputes, agreements, and legal transactions that shaped daily life
- 🏛️ Town Records
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Governance documents, civic proceedings, and administrative records of municipal life
- ⛪ Parish Records
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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.
- 🚶 Walking Surveys
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Systematic documentation of historical buildings and streetscapes
- 🏛️ Architectural Investigation
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Researching the history and significance of specific buildings
- 🗺️ Urban Development Analysis
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Tracking how neighborhoods and landmarks evolved over time
- 📍 Settlement Mapping
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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.
- ⭐ Notable Residents
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Politicians, merchants, clergy, and other influential figures
- 👪 Ordinary Lives
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Working people and families whose experiences illuminate daily life
- 🌳 Family Networks
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Genealogical connections revealing social structures
- 👔 Professional Communities
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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.
- 📜 Early Chronicles
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16th and 17th-century accounts and historical records
- 🎩 Victorian Studies
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19th-century antiquarian work and local historical societies
- 🎓 Modern Scholarship
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20th and 21st-century academic research and publications
- 📖 Unpublished Works
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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
- 🎯 Initial Orientation
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Introduction to the project and basic research methods
- 🛠️ Skill Workshops
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Specialised training in your chosen area of interest
- 👥 Ongoing Mentorship
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Regular support from experienced researchers
- 📚 Resource Access
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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.
- 📞 Contact Us - Express your interest and learn about current opportunities
- 🎓 Attend Orientation - Join an information session about the project
- 🎯 Choose Your Focus - Select the area that interests you most
- 📚 Begin Training - Start with orientation and specialised skills development
- ✨ 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.