ST MICHAELS, MD – The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md. is offering free training for new and existing volunteers throughout July and August, 2019 with advanced registration needed.
Docent training prepares volunteers to work with the public as interpreters, providing the content and skills necessary to lead group tours and facilitate discussion 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 is interested in promoting the Bay’s cultural heritage is encouraged to participate.
From 10am–12:30pm on Thursday, July 11, a one-day training will be held for those interested in becoming a CBMM greeter or beginning their journey as a CBMM docent. This training session will include background information on CBMM’s history, operations, and exhibitions, and will provide logistical techniques for welcoming guests to campus. This shorter training may be right for those who enjoy meeting new people and being a friendly face, but who are interested in a smaller commitment or are physically unable to lead walking tours.
For those wishing to continue as docents, five mandatory general content and background training sessions will be held from 10am–12:30pm July 16, 18, 23, 25, and 30. Participants can then choose to attend specialized guided tour training sessions, scheduled for the following Tuesdays and Thursdays in August. This training program, led by CBMM’s Education team, covers topics ranging from CBMM exhibits and collections to tour group management techniques.
CBMM docents and other volunteers provide invaluable support to CBMM in its mission to preserve and explore the history, environment, and people of the Chesapeake Bay. Duties can include greeting or 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 say that being a museum docent is one of their most gratifying experiences,” said CBMM’s Director of Education Jill Ferris. “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.”
Registration is required by contacting CBMM Volunteer & Education Programs Manager Allison Speight at aspeight@cbmm.org or 410-745-4941.
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~ Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum