Shannon Kira Mcmillan
They/Them

History and Religious Studies Scholar

Emerging Museum, Heritage & Archive Professional

Collections Management • Research • Archiving

Hello

Welcome to my portfolio—a space to explore my History and Religious Studies scholarly work and museum-related projects, developed during and after university.

Certificate of Higher Education (CofHE)

Me on graduation day, in my black graduation cap and gown. Wearing a green button-up shirt, black trousers and black boots.

My boyfriend and me on graduation day. Close up, seen from knees up.

My boyfriend and me from behind on graduation day in our black cap & gown. Berren on the left, and me on the right.

University of Gloucestershire Graduation 2024

Close up of my necklace and brooch. Large pendant of mole paw in resin. And a spider brooch.

Close up of my left hand - my rings - silver wraparound hammerhead ring on middle finger.

Close up of right hand to show my rings and bracelet. Two silver gemstone wire wrapped ring.

Academic Background 🎓

I am a passionate graduate in History and Religious Studies with a Certificate of Higher Education (CofHE) from the University of Gloucestershire. I earned this qualification after completing two years of my BA programme. Despite facing personal and health-related challenges, I remained committed to my studies and developed valuable skills in historical research, academic writing, and critical analysis.

My academic interests are rooted in the exploration of religion, theology, and the cultural and historical significance of faith across time. I have a deep fascination with the Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—and their shared narratives, which has guided my focus on Medieval religious artefacts and theological interpretation. This passion informs my approach to museum and heritage studies, where I aim to make religious collections accessible, engaging, and inclusive to diverse audiences.

I specialise in collections, research and heritage preservation, with thematic interests spanning Natural History, Georgian & Tudor periods, Religious & Theological (especially Medieval Abrahamic) collections, and Fashion History. My work is driven by a commitment to cultural storytelling, community engagement, and preserving historical narratives for future generations.

Professional Experience 💼

During my university studies, I contributed to the prestigious Gloucester Folk Museum's "Threads: Belonging and Unbelonging" exhibition, where I researched, gathered, and analysed textile trade data, demonstrating my ability to manage complex historical datasets and conduct meaningful research. I have developed hands-on experience in museum collections, heritage preservation, and visitor engagement through various projects and placements.

I recently volunteered with The Poetry Archive on their Poetry of South Asia Collection, where I researched poets, managed archival data, and contributed to online portfolio content. My responsibilities included online research, copy typing, data entry, catalogue management, and created poet profiles, all while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality. Independently developed and audited a poet birthday Google Sheet for all poets on the Poetry Archive website (571 as of March 2025).

I assisted the Poetry Archive during the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival London 2025 for the collections' launch, supporting event logistics, audience engagement, and promotional outreach. This role has strengthened my digital archiving, research, and public engagement skills in a heritage context.

I’ve completed over 15 professional development courses across business, education, and historical studies, including certified training in customer relationship management, SEND support, royal fashion history, and data sharing for research.

Certifications

Top Transferable Skills 📌

🗂️ Organisational Skills

👥 Communication Skills

🗄️ Archiving

💻 Data Entry

🌿 Adaptability

Key Skills & Expertise 🎯

Research, Analysis & Interpretation
🔍 Primary Source Analysis | 📚 Thematic Research | 🧠 Critical Thinking & Problem Solving | 📋 Textual Interpretation |

🔄 Interdisciplinary Approach | 🔎 Field Observation | 📈 Audience Research & Feedback Analysis

Organisation & Project Management
📢 Project & Event Coordination | ⏰ Multi-Deadline Management | 🧍 Independent & Self-Directed Learning | 🗂️ Resource Preparation | 📍 Multi-Site Operational Support

Digital & Technical Skills
📄 Microsoft Office & Google Workspace | 📑 Database & Spreadsheet Management | 📱 Social Media Content Planning |

🖥️ Digital Photography for Collections | 🖱️ Museum Database & Digital Literacy

Specialist & Sector Knowledge
🔍 Heritage Research & Interpretation | 🏛️ Multi-Site Museum & Heritage Experience | 🧑‍🏫 SEND & Inclusive Education Strategies |

📚 Heritage Education & Object-Based Learning | 🎨 Visual Storytelling for Exhibitions

✨🥂🎓💙

Life with Jack, Sally & Lilo 🐢🐢🐕

Outside of my academic and professional life, I care for a small but lively animal family.

🐢 Jack and Sally, my Russian tortoises, were adopted at two years old in 2017. Named after characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack is curious and affectionate, while Sally is cautious but bold.

🐕 Lilo, my affectionate and loud French Bulldog. Named after a childhood favourite, Lilo & Stitch, has taught me so much about dog care, enrichment, and senior pet support, since we brought her home at two months old in 2018.

🐾 Their unique personalities have sparked my passion for animal care, behaviour, and enrichment—fueling my creativity and deepening my commitment to animal welfare.

🌈 In loving memory of Holly, Milly, and Lilly—my cherished childhood pets who continue to inspire my care for animals.

Pet Sitting

Jack

Sally

Lilo

Holly

Milly

Lilly

🐢🐢🐕 -🌈🐰🐹🐹

A Lifelong Passion for Natural History 🦌

My fascination with museum collections began with childhood visits to Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, which sparked my deep interest in museums and natural history collections. This passion extends to my personal practice: curating and preserving a growing collection of animal bones and insects, which I source, clean, and pin myself. Applying the same preservation techniques used in professional natural history archives.

🎨 I have developed artistic skills in scientific illustration, creating detailed line art of animal skulls, which demonstrates my ability to combine scientific accuracy with visual communication — a valuable skill in museum interpretation and educational materials. Animals and their anatomy have been a key inspiration behind all of my tattoos, including the full animal-themed sleeve I’m currently designing. The first draft is entirely my own creation, blending my passion for wildlife and taxidermy with personal artistic expression.

💀 With a unique combination of academic knowledge, practical preservation experience, and authentic enthusiasm for natural history collections, I am well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to museum environments and heritage organisations.

White-tailed deer - skull cap and antlers

Taxidermy - My personal collection of animal bones, pinned bugs, crab arms. Alongside curi

Wollaton Hall - Exhibition display. A black background with an ammonite resting on the pla

Wollaton Hall & Deer Park. Large ornamental large georgian building on top of hill. From h

Wollaton Hall - Inside in a taxidermy display room. On the left: aquarium-like cases line t

Wollaton Hall - Exhibition display. A black background with an ammonite resting on the platform with infor

Wollaton Hall - Taxidermy giraffe and taxidermy display cases on the wall to the left. My

Taxidermy - Frog skeleton black tattoo - with three yellow flowers underneath the frog nea

Taxidermy - Raven skull black detailed tattoo, the skull is beak down - With mushrooms in

🪲💀🦕

My Fondness for the Georgian Era 🎀

My fascination with the Georgian era began in childhood, when I first fell in love with the period through episodes of Horrible Histories. Since then, it has grown into a genuine passion for monarchy, religious history, upper-class fashion, and architecture. The era’s elegance, order, and expressive visual culture continue to inspire my historical interests and creative pursuits.

👗 I’m especially drawn to the craftsmanship and symbolism of Georgian upper-class fashion — from embroidered waistcoats and powdered wigs to corsetry, silks, and mourning attire. These garments served not only as indicators of wealth and class, but also as visual markers of political allegiance and religious identity.

👔 To deepen my understanding, I completed an online course called A History of Royal Fashion, with the University of Glasgow and Historic Royal Palaces, which explored how royal and ceremonial fashion evolved from the Tudors to the Windsors. As well as its care within archives today. Also revealed how clothing was used to convey class, power, tradition, and national identity. Alongside fashion, I also adore Georgian architecture — its symmetry, grandeur, and classical details reflect the cultural ideals of the time.

Georgian - Three mannequins - two with plain white masculine/mens clothes. And a plain whi

Georgian - Marble statue of an upper class Georgian man

Georgian - Portrait of Sake Dean Mahomed - an Indonesian man standing in full view in trad

Georgian - Horrible Histories - with _Gorgeous Gergians_ on the picture (1).jpg

Georgian - Madame Tussauds - wax figure of upper-class family: a man seated, a girl and bo

Georgian country house - symmetrical design.jpg

Georgian - A detailed drawing of an upper class man and woman in the Georgian era.

Georgian - The Four Georges of England - Portraits of the monarchs left to right_ George t

George I

George II

George III

George IV

Georgian - Madame Tussauds - five wax severed heads on spikes.

Sake Dean Mahomed

👗🤴🏻🎀

My Love of the Tudor Period 👑

My love for the Tudor era began in Primary School and continued to flourish throughout my academic journey, especially during my GCSE studies. This period remains one of the most captivating chapters of English history for me, full of religious upheaval, political intrigue, and striking material culture.

✝️ I’m particularly fascinated by the religious transformations that took place from Henry VII’s consolidation of power to Elizabeth I’s religious settlement. The shifting landscape of English Christianity — from Henry VIII’s break with Rome, through Mary I’s Catholic revival, to Elizabeth’s Protestant compromise — highlights the profound impact of monarchy on faith and society.

⛪️ My interest also extends to the fashion and architecture of the era, with a love of the ornamental ruffs. And with a special curiosity about Priest Holes — the hidden chambers used to shelter Catholic clergy during Elizabeth I’s reign. These architectural features represent the tension and fear that accompanied the era’s religious rebellions and persecution.

🇪🇸 I’m equally intrigued by the political and cultural influence of Philip II of Spain, Mary I’s husband. His role as Prince of England and the threat of the Spanish Armada during Elizabeth’s reign show the complex relationship between English identity and European power during the 16th century.

Tudor - Madame Tussauds - wax figure of Henry the eighth of England.

Tudor - Anne of Cleves - Henry the Eighth's fourth wife - a small circular brooch.

Tudor - Madame Tussauds - Wax figures of Elizabeth the First of England, Mary Queen of Sco

Tudor - Portrait of King Phillip the sec

Tudor - Line art of Elizabeth the first's head and ornamental ruff. The drawing was for an

Elizabeth I Easter Egg Art Competition 🥚👑
Created a pencil portrait of Elizabeth I for a school Easter art competition during my GCSEs. The design features an egg-shaped head, with eyes made from cracked eggs. Used symbolically dripping yolk to reflect creative interpretation, referencing the title of the book my sketchbook rested on: “Elizabeth – The Story of a Most Unhappy Queen.” This playful piece combined historical themes with seasonal creativity, showcasing early interest in Tudor history and artistic expression.

Tudor - Horrible Histories - Screenshot of actor Sarah Hadland dressed as Mary Tudor, duri

Tudor - Edward the sixth - portrait of him at around 14 years old, dressed like Henry the

Tudor - artwork zoomed in on John Blake playing the trumpet - Henry the eighth's trumpeter.

Lady Jane Grey - Edward the sixth successor, queen for nine days - Mary the first had her

John Blanke

Tudor - Portrait of Henry the seventh of England.png

Henry VIII

Edward VI

Mary I

Lady Jane Grey

Anne of Cleves

King Philip II of Spain

Elizabeth I

William Shakespeare

Mary Queen of Scots

Henry VII

👸✝️🪓

My Journey Through Religion & Theological Study 📖

My interest in religion and theology has been a lifelong one, shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for belief systems throughout history. From an early age, I was drawn to the way religion shapes people’s identities, values, and cultures — a fascination that grew through my academic studies in Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Ethics.

✝️ I’m particularly passionate about the Abrahamic faiths, especially Christianity and its development and similarities across different eras. From medieval theology and monastic life to the Reformation and the English religious settlements. I love exploring how belief, power, and tradition intertwine in both sacred texts and lived experience. One of my undergraduate papers focused on the traditions and beliefs of Jesus across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

🗣️ My academic journey has allowed me to examine everything from ethical debates and philosophical arguments for the existence of God. To the everyday impact of faith, ritual, and spiritual practice. I’ve especially enjoyed researching religious change during the Tudor era, and the symbolism found in religious artefacts and material culture.

🙏 For me, studying religion is not just about doctrine or history — it's about understanding people, empathy, and the ways faith continues to influence communities, cultural heritage, and secularism today. Whether through theological research, museum work, or education, I’m passionate about making religion accessible and meaningful to all audiences.

Religion - Medieval Cross painted with gold, Jesus on the cross. With a swan at the top, o

Religion - Masjid-e-Noor Mosque in Gloucester, UK_

Religion - Gloucester Cathedral - three tall narrow canvases of Jesus Christ. Left to righ

Religion - The Church of The Latter Day Saints - a modern building with vertical lines and

Religion - Medieval Bible under glass in archive case. In a language that isn't English_

☸️🕉️✡️✝️☪️🪯

Threads Through Time: A Love for Fashion History 🪡

My love for fashion history is rooted in its ability to reflect identity, power, culture, and social change across time. I’m especially drawn to the elegance and drama of historical dress, from courtly extravagance to traditional attire — each era and culture telling its own visual story.

👑 I'm captivated by the theatricality of Georgian fashion, particularly the extra-wide pannier dresses, structured stays, and the charm of puff sleeves. I adore the ponytail hairstyles of George III’s reign, which reflect the polished formality of 18th-century society. My interest also stretches back to medieval fashion, with its flowing gowns and long sleeves, and to the sculptural ruffs of the Elizabethan court, which symbolised power and status.

🥻I’m equally inspired by the beauty and diversity of South Asian fashion, especially saris — their vibrant colours, luxurious fabrics, and the way their styling changes depending on the occasion or region. I find henna body art incredibly beautiful; the intricate patterns and symbolism used in mehndi traditions are a stunning form of wearable art.

👗 As fashion evolved, I’ve followed its transformation from Victorian bell-shaped silhouettes and corsetry to the modernism of the 1920s flapper era. With its short hemlines and dropped waists, representing women’s growing freedom and rebellion against tradition.

🧵For me, fashion is more than clothing — it's a living archive of heritage, creativity, and identity. Through my research, museum experience, and personal projects, I explore how dress tells the stories of people across time and cultures.