The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels, MD is offering training for new and existing docent volunteers at the museum beginning with an orientation session on February 11 and continuing Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 6. The training is free and open to the public, with advanced registration needed.
This once-a-year training prepares volunteers to lead group tours, interpret the museum’s exhibits, and assist at special events. Anyone who enjoys interacting with people, has a curiosity about the Chesapeake Bay, is comfortable and excited about public speaking, and would like to help promote the Bay’s cultural heritage is encouraged to participate.
On Thursday, February 11, a new volunteer orientation takes place from 10 – 11am to provide the basic information for becoming a museum volunteer. The orientation is followed with a 6-part training program led by CBMM’s Director of Education Kate Livie, with topics ranging from the museum’s exhibits and collections to tour group management techniques. Sessions are scheduled for 10am-12:30pm in CBMM’s Van Lennep Auditorium on February 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, and March 4 and 6. All sessions must be attended to qualify as a museum docent.
CBMM docents provide invaluable support to the museum in its mission to preserve and explore the history, environment, and people of the Chesapeake Bay. Docents are asked to commit to one, 4-hour weekly shift. Duties can include guiding museum visitors and providing a memorable and positive visit; staffing individual exhibitions and leading demonstrations, classes, and special events as needed; and promoting the museum and its mission to others.
“Many docents express that volunteering at the museum is one of their most gratifying experiences,” commented CBMM’s Director of Events and Volunteer Program Melissa Spielman. “I often receive comments from volunteers who say that engaging museum visitors from across the country and around the world is inspiring and fulfilling work. That’s great news for the museum, and our visitors.”
Pre-registration is required for the volunteer training by contacting Melissa Spielman at 410-745-4956 or at [email protected].
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum volunteer docent Joe Irr pulls an oyster cage from Fogg’s Cove in St. Michaels during a museum tour. The museum will be hosting volunteer docent training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 12:30pm beginning with a one-hour, new volunteer orientation set for 10am on February 11 at the museum. The training is free and open to the public, with pre-registration needed by calling 410-745-4956. For more information, visit www.cbmm.org