National Building Museum volunteers range from interns to docents to information specialists, all giving their time to activities such as organizing archives, leading tours, and staffing Museum festivals. Last year, volunteers donated nearly 12,500 hours to the Museum, playing an integral role in the operation of the institution.While some NBM volunteers are behind the scenes, many of the most visible ones are the docents, who lead tours of the Museum's historic home and exhibitions.
The term "docent" derives from the Latin word ducere, meaning to lead. NBM docents are trained to offer thought-provoking and interactive experiences that guide visitors in their own learning processes. Docents participate in four hours of weekly instruction over a six-week period, attending sessions with architectural and DC historians, curators, Museum staff, and others to prepare for their tours. They also enjoy enrichment activities designed to enhance their knowledge and volunteer experience.
Learn about the Museum’s docent program and see if you’d like to give tours of the Museum’s historic home and groundbreaking exhibitions. After this introductory session, training begins in mid-March and continues through April.
The National Building Museum is hosting a free Docent Training Open House tomorrow evening on Tuesday, 27 February 2007, from 6 till 8 pm.
Registration required by emailing kcotner@nbm.org. For more information on docent or other Museum volunteer opportunities, please call Kristi Cotner at 202.272.2448, ext. 3302, or visit www.nbm.org for an application.
I, myself, am considering volunteering for the Investigating Where We Live or CityVision outreach program.
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