The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md. is offering training for new and existing docent volunteers at the museum beginning with an orientation session on March 1 and continuing Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 31. The training is free and open to the public, with advanced registration needed.
This once-a-year training prepares volunteer interpreters with the content and skills necessary to lead group tours with adults and children. 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 Tuesday, March 1, a new volunteer docent orientation takes place from 10 – 11 a.m. to provide the basic information for becoming a museum interpreter. The orientation is followed with a 9-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 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in CBMM’s Van Lennep Auditorium each Tuesday and Thursday in March. All sessions must be attended to qualify as a museum docent.
CBMM docents and other volunteers 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 during the warmer months. 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 of our volunteers comment that being a museum docent is one of their most gratifying experiences,” said CBMM’s Director of Education Kate Livie. “We find that active adults enjoy working with us and becoming part of our volunteer corps just as much as they enjoy working with the students and other guests we serve.”
Pre-registration is required for the volunteer training by contacting CBMM Director of Events and Volunteer Program Melissa Spielman at 410-745-4956 or at [email protected].
For more information, visit www.cbmm.org