The Arctic Convoy Museum tells the story of one of the most daring allied operations of WWII; a monumental collaborative effort to ship aid to the Soviet Union against the invading German forces. Sailors on Winston Churchill’s “worst journey in the world” braved the perilously icy Arctic waters under constant threat of enemy attack. The journey began in Loch Ewe, right by our museum, where we continue the story today.

In January 2025 we will recruit our first cohort of remote volunteers to search our archives for the hidden stories of the people who served on the Arctic Convoys.

What will you be doing?

Our museum contains folders and folders of photos, stories, diaries, newspaper clippings, service records, and the like, full of important stories that need to be told.  You will read through these digitised records, searching for the stories that we can use to make educational materials, digital content, or displays.  On your journey through our records you will gain an intimate insight into life on the Arctic Convoy missions.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who are interested in the Arctic convoys, World War II, or twentieth-century history more broadly who:

• Have access to the internet and experience of navigating websites
• Are comfortable using online meeting platforms such as Zoom
• Enjoy reading and researching historical topics
• Are comfortable volunteering remotely
• Are able to work as a team with other volunteers and staff
• Are respectful of people of all backgrounds and abilities

What difference will you make?

You will help us to find and make the stories of the Arctic Convoys accessible to the world.  You will contribute to our mission to:

• Realise a professional and lasting legacy for all members of the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy who took part in the Russian Arctic Convoy campaign during World War II.
• To collect, preserve and interpret artefacts and memorabilia for the public to view and to improve knowledge of the collection through education and research.
• To present the stories of the convoys in such a way as to stimulate and engage the public of all ages and make the experience enjoyable and memorable for all
• To preserve the unique cultural assets of the region surrounding Loch Ewe ensuring their survival for future generations.

How will we support you?

We will provide you with a virtual induction into the Arctic Convoy Museum and the project with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.  We will provide online training in accessing the digitised materials and completing the simple form to record the stories you find.  

You will have the option to join an online community with other volunteers in which you can chat, share experiences and ask questions.  Our project team will also be available by email appointment to troubleshoot any particular challenges that might arise.    

Time commitment

We ask that you commit 3 hours to the induction and training.  After that, the time you spend searching for the stories is up to you.

How to apply

To apply, email curator@arcticconvoymuseum.org.  We would like to know briefly about any previous experience you have had in volunteering, working with archives, and your information technology (IT) skills.  We will then set up a time to chat with you about the project and check that we are a good fit for working together.

Please also let us know about any accommodations you might need to take part in the project.