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Heritage Consultant


A strategic thinker, specialising in heritage and public engagement.


Engagement

Engaging people with places, stories and collections has been a core value of mine since my early days in heritage. It brings me great satisfaction when an exhibition, event or workshop has brought people closer to archaeology, objects, archives and historic buildings.

Strategic thinking

I enjoy looking at what can be possible. Horizon scanning, scoping ideas and using a bit of creativity to reach ideas is my approach to unlocking potential. When you combine this with how societies change over time, the outcomes are vibrant and exciting.

Leadership

Leadership works in different ways and in all directions. I’ve used my leadership skills to lead diverse teams, influence decision makers and create buy-in from staff and volunteers. I feel at home when listening to people and getting under the skin of a subject.

Having worked in heritage organisations and as an external consultant, I understand and draw on skills from both worlds to resolve problems with a holistic perspective.



Project Management

Much of my work is project management. The very nature of PM is change and influencing people to achieve the common goal. It is so much more than just the three elements of cost, time and quality; it is also achieving long term benefits, influencing, and working with stakeholders.

I completed an APM accredited project management programme with the Project Management Academy and City of London.

Curation

“…the hand of God upon us, a great wind and the season so very dry.”

Governement report on the Great Fire of London, 1666.

I enjoy curating and getting under the skin of a subject. One of my favourite pieces of curation was the Great Fire of London Exhibition at the Guildhall Library. Bringing those 17th century books and pamphlets to life is still one of my proudest achievements.

Fundraising

With over 25 years’ experience of working in heritage, I have a track record of successful fundraising behind me. This includes grants from the Lottery Funds and individual donors.

As with engagement best practice, knowing and understanding your audience is fundamental.

About Me

I am a heritage professional with over 25 years’ experience of working across museums, archives, libraries, historic houses, archaeological and reconstruction sites. Find out more about my work on LinkedIn

Get In Touch

The best way to get in touch is to email me: Howard@Howard-Benge.com
More Ways to Get In Touch

My Blog

I blog and podcast – An Historiers Miscellany. The name, the Historier, was inspired by words going back to the mids-1400s, “Sithen historiers dwelling in thilk same cuntre..kouthen knowe better the treuthe of the deede than othere men.”
An Historier’s Miscellany