Ullapool Museum: Young Curator's Club
The Young Curators Club was created to give young people in our community a fun, relaxed space to learn museum skills, explore history their own way, and help tell the stories that matter to them.
Their first project was to design an exhibition that reflected their interests in local history which cumulated in their first exhibition, From Cradle to Grave: Life Death and Marriage in Lochbroom.
The young curator’s developed each aspect of the exhibition from the theme, to the objects and the interpretation giving them an all round curatorial experience.
Developing the Project
The Young Curators Club was created to give young people in Ullapool the chance to explore heritage, learn new skills, and get hands-on experience in a real museum.
Working with local partners including Ullapool High School, High Life Highland Youth Development, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), and An Talla Solais, the museum developed a programme where young people could research, handle objects, and help create their own exhibition. The project grew from a small outreach idea into a nine-month programme, designed around young people’s interests and skills.
What We Did
The Young Curators Club was our way of giving local young people the chance to dive into real museum work and discover what happens behind the scenes. We wanted to create a fun, welcoming space where anyone with an interest in history, stories, or creativity could get involved, no experience needed. Over the course of the project, the group explored our collections, learned how to handle historic objects, tried their hand at photography and interpretation, and got to grips with the real decisions curators make every day.
Most importantly, the Young Curators Club put the young people in charge. They chose the theme of the exhibition, researched the stories they wanted to tell, and shaped how those stories were shared with the community. Along the way they gained confidence, built new skills, and discovered that museums aren’t just places you visit, they’re places you can help create.
It was hands-on, collaborative, and genuinely fun, and we’re excited to welcome new members in the future.
The Exhibition
The project culminated in the exhibition From Cradle to Grave: Birth, Death and Marriage in Lochbroom, a powerful display entirely shaped by the young curators. They researched local stories, selected the objects that best represented each stage of life, and crafted the narratives that guided visitors through the exhibition.
Their choices were thoughtful and creative, showing a real understanding of the emotional weight behind the items. Some of the most striking pieces were the war-related objects, including a gas mask and a Death Penny. One curator suggested placing the Death Penny “out of sequence” to show how young lives were cut short—a detail many visitors commented on. The exhibition was warmly received and became a real highlight for the community.
Partners
This project was made possible through strong partnerships. Ullapool High School supported the programme by providing space, access and staff time for regular sessions, making it easy for the young people to take part. High Life Highland Youth Development offered mentoring, pastoral care and guidance throughout, helping ensure that every participant felt supported and able to fully engage. Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) played a key role in linking activities to employability skills and helping young people recognise how their new abilities could support future pathways.
Thanks to this collective support, the young curators were also able to work toward recognised volunteering awards. Their commitment throughout the project contributed directly to their Saltire Awards and Youth Achievement Awards, giving them formal accreditation for their time, effort and contributions to the exhibition. This recognition not only celebrates their hard work but also strengthens their future applications for college, university and employment.
Join Young Curator's Club
If you’re a young person interested in history, museums, or creative work, we’d love to hear from you!
Sessions are fully funded, and all training, trips, and meals are included.
To join or find out more, contact Ullapool Museum at info@ullapoolmuseum.co.uk or call 01854-612987.
Everyone is welcome to come along, learn, and help tell the stories of our community.