Meet Rosie Amos, the heritage project manager for the National Lottery Heritage Fund project, Celebrating 150 years of Cambridge Corn Exchange. 

For people who think a project manager sits at their desk all day crunching numbers and completing reports, they would be wrong. Actually, they would be a little bit right and who doesn’t love it when you can make an Excel spreadsheet sing and dance…however, I’ve always loved a project where I can get hands on.  

I’ve worked in numerous museums and cultural organisations to help them tell their story but as a Cambridge local, it was a dream to have the chance to tell the story of Cambridge through this iconic venue. From the moment it was built, the Cambridge Corn Exchange has had the history of Cambridge pass through its walls. As a core venue for farmers and merchants to trade corn, to meetings of the Cambridge Suffragettes and to the incredible artists that have changed music history, playing on its stage. 

I have only been in post since March but in that time, we have uncovered some incredible bits of history and shared some it with students across five schools in Cambridge. We still have lots to come including an exhibition next year to celebrate all the heritage we uncover! 

One of my favourite parts of the job has been the chance to talk with so many people about their memories of the venue, particularly the technical staff who make the Corn Exchange happen. Although some of those stories will have to remain hidden as I’ve been told what happens backstage, stays backstage!