Did you know we can bring The MERL to you?
Well, not all of it, but we do have some wonderful volunteer speakers who can bring a taste of what the museum has to offer to your group meeting!
We’re delighted to offer speakers to talk about a range of themes relating to The MERL. Our speakers will travel locally (within Berkshire, or around 45 minutes drive from Reading) to give a presentation at your meetings.
All our speakers are extremely knowledgeable volunteers, who have researched the themes themselves, using The MERL archives, library and object collections enabling them to explore subjects in depth. Each talk focuses on a different theme, but all talks include information about the history of The MERL and its collections, the current activities of the museum and forthcoming events and exhibitions.
Any of our talks are a great introduction to The MERL and are a super appetiser ahead of a Group Visit. Our speakers are also Welcome Hosts and would be pleased to meet you again at the Museum.
Talks available
Extraordinary Women
Discover the fascinating lives and careers of six extraordinary women from the collections at The MERL and the University’s Special Collections
Rural Protest: The Swing Riots
Focussing on the story of Berkshire’s own William Winterbourne and the Swing Riots, this talk uses The MERL collections to explore the strong tradition of rural protest
Huntley & Palmers
Further information & how to book
Talks are free, but we suggest a donation of at least £45 to cover travel and admin costs. As our talks are given by volunteers, bookings are subject to availability.
To book, or for further information, please use the form below. Otherwise, you can contact us via email at merlevents@reading.ac.uk or call us on 0118 378 3112. Please note: your booking is provisional until you have received a confirmation email from our Programmes Assistant.