Come and volunteer for the Corn Exchange’s Heritage Project!
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Overview
Are you interested in the history of Cambridge? Do you enjoy discovering things about the past? Would you like to be involved in a heritage research project?
Cambridge Corn Exchange has been awarded a grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its 150th anniversary project to engage the community in uncovering and celebrating the rich heritage connected to this Grade II listed building.
The backbone of the project is the heritage research that is being led by our Archive Research Manager. There is currently no organised collection of archival materials for the Corn Exchange, so we have already been exploring local archives to find out more about the history of this incredible building but now we need your help!
We are looking for research volunteers to support the project by researching key themes in the Corn Exchange’s history. Some of this will be done remotely by doing online research and some may include visiting archives in Cambridge. From Suffragettes to performances by rock legends, there are so many areas to explore and discover! We are currently researching a range of topics including:
- The architecture of the Corn Exchange.
- Corn trading at the turn of the Century.
- The Suffragettes in Cambridge.
- The medieval priory that existed on the site of the current Corn Exchange.
- Activity in the World Wars at the Corn Exchange.
- Musicians and artists who have played at the Cambridge Corn Exchange.
What will I get out of the experience?
- A chance to discover some of the history of Cambridge.
- The opportunity to be part of a National Lottery Heritage funded heritage project.
- Learn or develop skills to do historical research.
- Add something to your CV.
- See your research support a host of planned activities including a specially curated six-week exhibition in the Corn Exchange in 2026.
If you are interested in being involved in this project, please email 150cornex@cambridge.gov.uk with no more than 300 words telling us a bit about yourself and why you would be interested in volunteering for the project.
Deadline for applications is Friday 22nd August 2025.
This project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund:
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past. Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities. heritagefund.org.uk
