Syd Howells (Museum Volunteer Manager)

Syd Howells is the Museum Volunteer Manager at the Egypt Centre and is the first point of contact for anyone wishing to volunteer here or undergo a work placement.

Research Interests

• Propaganda (both ancient and modern)
• Volunteering in the heritage sector
• The ethics of collecting
• The history of eccentricity

Brief C.V.

Education

• 2014–2016: Leicester University; MA Museum Studies (Graduating with a Merit)
• 2007–2013: Swansea University; BA Hons. History (Graduating with a Distinction)
• 2011: Swansea University; Certificate in Higher Education in Egyptology

Employment

• The Egypt Centre, Volunteer Manager (2012–Present)

Excavations

Archaeological experience in Egypt and the United Kingdom.

Publications

• Howells, Syd 2024. William Price of Llantrisant: the contrary champion of cremation. Chronicle: The Historical Association Swansea Branch 2024: 31–35.
• Howells, Syd 2024. Swansea’s Egyptian revival buildings. The Swansea History Journal: Minerva 32: 177–181.
• Howells, Syd 2024. A partnership of unequals: the RISW and University College Swansea. In Helen L. Hallesy & Gerald Gabb (Eds.), Swansea’s Royal Institution and Wales’s First Museum, 456–467. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.
• Howells, Syd 2023. Lieutenant Colonel A D Wintle MC: an irregular soldier’. Chronicle: The Historical Association Swansea Branch 2023: 11–14.
• Howells, Syd 2021. Iolo Morganwg: Swansea area connections. The Swansea History Journal: Minerva 29: 83–90
• Howells, Syd 2020. Dr William Price at the Egypt Centre, Swansea University. The Swansea History Journal: Minerva 28: 111–114.
• Howells, Syd 2017. Informal learning in a museum setting https://ec.europa.eu/epale/en/blog/informal-learning-museum-setting  European Commission, Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe.
• Goodridge, Wendy and Syd Howells 2015. Engaging with the hard to reach: from town to gown. In Jandl, Stefanie S., Mark S Gold, and Tracy L Adler (eds) Advancing engagement: a handbook for academic museums (volume three), 310–345. Edinburgh: MuseumsEtc.
• Howells, Syd 2013. Acceptance and removing barriers: young volunteers in a university museum setting. GEM (Group for Education in Museums) Case Studies 11: 22–23.

Outside Interests

• Archaeology
• History: I am a member of the Historical Association Swansea Branch Outreach Speakers Group (talks include Wonderful Things: A Look at the History and Collections of the Egypt Centre, Museum of Egyptian Antiquities at Swansea University and Dr William Price and the Welsh Pharaohs)
• I sit on the Committee of the Royal Institution of South Wales
• Music
• Photography