What Is a Docent & 5 Reasons You Might Want to Be One
What Is a Docent & 5 Reasons You Might Want to Be One
The word “docent” comes from the Latin word “docere,” meaning to teach. According to the dictionary, a docent is “a lecturer or tour guide in a museum or cathedral.” There are docents among us, and you will find a fine group of volunteer docents at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science.
Right now, the Evansville Museum Docent Association is preparing to welcome the next group of docent trainees who will learn about the Museum’s exhibits, programs, and activities. When training is complete, the new docents will be ready to lead tours of Museum visitors, especially students from schools throughout the Tri-State.
Have you thought about becoming a Docent? Here are some of the reasons you might belong with us.
You love to learn. If learning new facts about art, history, anthropology, or science is inspiring for you, being a docent will open new treasures and opportunities for you. Many docents even spend time learning beyond the basic facts in subject areas related to the tours and activities we host.
Sharing your knowledge excites you. It’s one thing to know stuff, but if you find yourself saying, “Did you know that…” to friends and family, becoming a docent will allow you to share facts and ideas with many Museum visitors.
You want to make your volunteer efforts to make a difference. Many people agree that the community is a better place when volunteers step up to help others. Our docents often feel that way and realize that guiding student tours and hosting museum activities contributes to students’ better understanding of the subjects they learn in school.
You are a creative thinker and doer. Docent committees are frequently involved in designing and improving tours and activities specifically for Museum guests. Docents are also encouraged to add their own enthusiasm and presentation skills as they present tours. Although the training and basic information is the same for all docents, no two of us present a tour exactly the same way.
You enjoy making new friends. Docents at the Evansville Museum enjoy working together but also spend time together in activities that enrich our outlook on life and museum topics. You may walk in as a stranger, but within minutes, you will feel welcomed. And as a Docent, you will find yourself a member of an awesome group of friends and co-volunteers.
What to do now? If the possibility of becoming a Docent at the Evansville Museum sounds interesting to you, plan to come to the Informational Coffee (actually, a brunch) to find out more. It’s free, fun, and no strings attached. The event will be scheduled at the Museum on Thursday, August 17, 2023, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
RSVP: To find out more about the Docents, contact Karen at education@emuseum.org to reserve your spot at the Informational Coffee on August 17.
Blog Author :
Madeline Harris has been an Evansville Museum Docent since 2016. Semi-retired from career experiences including advertising, marketing, writing, proofreading, and teaching, she enjoys being an active volunteer supporting many of the Docent Association projects and activities and sharing what she has learned with Museum visitors.