Do you enjoy exploring history in unlikely places and working as part of a team? Join MOLA to help develop a new way of recording 'Ghost Signs’. These old painted signs on buildings advertising local businesses and industry are fascinating remnants of Northampton’s past. You’ll learn how to record and research Ghost Signs, and prepare information to be uploaded to the Northamptonshire Historic Environment Record (HER).

What you’ll do:

  • Receive specialist training from MOLA archaeologists via 1 x online induction and 1x in-person session.
  • Work in pairs or small groups to locate and record Ghost Signs across Northamptonshire.
  • Complete recording forms, take photographs, and prepare data digitally.
  • Give feedback about a new method of recording and share your discoveries.

Ideal for: People who enjoy outdoor activities, teamwork, taking photographs, and have good attention to detail.

Time commitment: 1.5 hours online training then flexible (e.g. 5 hours per month). There is also a limited opportunity to attend an in-person training workshop in Northampton 2.5 hours (13th April).

After training, volunteering will be unsupervised but supported by MOLA until the project ends in June 2026. This is a pilot project, so it is hoped there will be further opportunities to carry out more recording in the future.

Please note: The in-person session is limited to 12 volunteers. However, the online induction is open to all - it will also be recorded and shared on our YouTube channel.  

Click here to sign up to the online induction

Click here to sign up to the in-person session

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact ghostsigns@mola.org.uk