Helen McConnell Simpson

About

Innovative, dynamic and highly qualified museum professional with skills and experience in collections management, exhibition development and delivery, interpretation and engagement. Broad transferable experience highlighting exceptional organisational, project management and communication skills. Passionate about sharing historic collections and their stories with broad audiences.

Experience

• Senior Curator, History at Bristol Museums
  Aug 2021 - Present · 5 yrs

  Leading the History team, covering Social, Industrial and Maritime History, and the Transatlantic Trafficking of Enslaved Africans.

• Museum Development Officer, Gloucestershire at South West Museum Development
  May 2020 - Aug 2021 · 1 yr 4 mos

  Supporting Accredited museums across Gloucestershire to improve standards and visitor offer.

• Curator, Scott House (0.5FTE) at WILDFOWL AND WETLANDS TRUST (TRADING) LIMITED
  Mar 2018 - May 2020 · 2 yrs 3 mos

  Leading a project to set up a new historic house museum in the family home of Sir Peter Scott, naturalist, artist, sportsman, and founder of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.

• Chair at Social History Curators Group
  Sep 2012 - Jul 2018 · 5 yrs 11 mos

  Chair of Social History Curators Group (SHCG), the UK's largest Subject Specialist Network, 2017-2018. Supporting members working with Social History collections in museums to improve professional standards. Previously Editor of Social History in Museums, SHCG's journal, 2012-2017.

• Assistant Curator (0.2 FTE) at STEAM (MUSEUM OF THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY) LIMITED
  Oct 2017 - Mar 2018 · 6 mos

  Developing digital interactive content. Reviewing and refining research enquiry service. Reviewed and improved online photographic collection licensing website.