Introducing the new Youth Advisory Group for the National Museum of the Royal Navy

I wanted to join the National Museum of the Royal Navy's YAG for one phenomenally basic reason: I love ships! As someone with experience in Maritime Heritage through my museum work, this presented an exciting step to build on my career foundations, and an all-important chance to experience museums from a unique new perspective. Beyond my love of ships is a determination to make things happen: I want to use this platform to advocate for accessible museums, catering to the widest audience possible—across all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

There is so much to be excited about! For me, a large part of that excitement comes from the community—I cannot understate how important it is for me to meet other young adults with similar interests, and to create a space in which we are able to discuss and develop those interests as a team. I am also looking forward to any opportunity to get involved and learn something new: I’m a hands-on learner, so any chance to get up close to the action will definitely be a highlight for me!

A familial connection to the Naval Services meant growing up surrounded by lively stories of the Cold War, as well as a few yomps across Dartmoor! Joining the YAG represents an incredible opportunity to support the National Museum of the Royal Navy in its work to diversify the collection by capturing these more contemporary and “hidden” histories. Naturally, I hope joining the YAG will provide an opportunity to learn from experienced Trustees and sector-leading staff. But most of all, I’m excited to join an innovative forum that is helping to make the nation’s naval history accessible and relevant. 

I’m excited to learn more about how the National Museum of the Royal Navy is planning to further integrate technology into its work - something that will help reduce barriers of access and will support an increase in engagement from a global audience. Over the past decade, the organisation has reimagined their [web]sites to facilitate conversations and research into the Naval Services and how they’ve shaped the world. I’m looking forward to exploring how the experiences of the YAG can help bolster this effort.

I believe that the voices of young people are valuable. Being able to share my viewpoint gives me an opportunity for development that I can’t acquire in any other way, and being given the freedom to do this will be a very empowering process. I also believe that young people can really add value to the National Museum of the Royal Navy through sparking conversation and driving change and innovation within the heritage industry. I also have developed a slight maritime history obsession having worked on a historic vessel for two years…

I think being able to discuss and understand the different perspectives of those within the group and really make use of the range of experiences we will have. I personally come from an engagement background and so making the National Museum of the Royal Navy as engaging and accessible as possible is something I'm really excited to do and share with others within the group! 
 

Throughout my life I have been an avid attendee of museums, which have all helped to induce a passion for learning. Within my day-to-day role I work a lot with the Royal Navy, and I have learnt a great deal about the work it does and has done in the past, and developed a particular interest in its history and traditions. I believe that everyone should be able to access places like the National Museum of the Royal Navy and I welcome the opportunity to assist the Museum in developing its strategy to remain relevant and appealing to young people and the wider community.

I am extremely passionate about sustainability of all types, particularly environmental, and I look forward to working on ways to help the National Museum of the Royal Navy with its desire to become a truly sustainable organisation. This is an important issue in our modern times and is a particularly challenging one to start to address. I also look forward to working with the others from different backgrounds and experiences to learn more about how they see these challenges and different ways to solve them.

Like many, I am immensely proud of our country’s naval heritage and can still remember the excitement I felt when, at an early age, I first visited the National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Joining the YAG is an excellent opportunity for me to help preserve this history and to ensure it is accessible to new and diverse audiences. [It's] also an opportunity for me to develop new skills and experiences, working with, and learning from, colleagues across the organisation.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy is an amazing organisation with an aspiration to be the world’s most inspiring Naval Museum! I am excited about being part of that journey. It’s a great time to be joining the YAG, as the organisation deploys their 5-year strategy. I hope to use my experience of working in international consultancy to help grow and diversify global audiences, create innovative and inspirational experiences, and ensure environmental and financial sustainability. I’m looking forward to working with others from the YAG, the NMRN’s Board, colleagues and customers.

 

I care very deeply about EDI issues, especially when it comes to neurodivergence and LGBTQ+. Museums and heritage settings are my passion, so I would like to share that passion by advocating and campaigning for accessibility and inclusion for both visitors and staff alike so that they can feel supported. I like to give back to communities, share constructive feedback and challenge issues that matter most. am hoping that joining the Youth Advisory Group will be a very encouraging experience and help with my personal and professional growth.

As well as advocating for an inclusive museum, I am a keen creative writer. I would like to write blogs on my experiences which I hope being on this board will inspire and give me high levels of motivation to contribute to this project. I cannot wait to see myself grow in skills and I would love this experience to help me move forward in life, whether that would be personally or professionally. I am very excited to be a part of this project where I can explore and take any opportunities to share my passion.