Ashburton Museum intern, Libby Neumann, inspects some of the many historical items hidden in the department’s collection. Photo Megan GnadAfter completing her study at the University of Otago, Libby Neumann has returned to her hometown to spend her summer holidays immersed in the Ashburton Museum archives.

The 22-year-old former Ashburton College student completed her Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)) in Classics last year, and prior to that, a double major in Classics and Theatre Studies.

When it came time to return home and apply for jobs, she noticed an advertisement for volunteers needed at the museum.

“I thought I’d come home for a holiday and reassess what I wanted to do,” she said.

“I was not expecting as many opportunities, but they have been really, really good to me.”

Prior to Christmas, Neumann trawled through the archives to put together a festive-based installation.

“It’s quite interesting to see what we have in our community,” she said.

“A lot has been donated, so it’s a little bit of everyone’s history.”

She has also worked on the ‘exquisite display’, updated the peep holes and is currently co-ordinating an up-coming collection of 20th century cameras.

The internship is expected to last the duration of the summer, and she is already looking at job opportunities in Auckland art galleries and museums.

She was grateful to museum staff, in particular director Tanya Robinson, who has been helping tailor her experience gained at the museum to benefit her CV and future career opportunities.

Neumann completed her dissertation on Children in Roman Art and Archaeology at the University of Otago.

By Megan Gnad © The Ashburton Guardian - 18 January 2017