Docents = teachers = leaders
As
an educational institution, one of the most important things we do is
to share our knowledge of Chippewa Valley history with our visitors. And
on the front lines of that endeavor is a dedicated group of people known
as docents. At present, more than 40 docents volunteer their time and
talents.
The word "docent"
comes from the Latin word docere, meaning "to teach or lead."
Volunteer museum docents
have the important job of interpreting exhibits and supervising the activities
that bring those exhibits to life.
They act as our public representatives and as museum teachers, providing
invaluable experiences to thousands of school-age children, as well as
groups of adults. In doing so, they provide an invaluable link between
our visitors and our exhibits and collections.
The museum is always
seeking people who have an interest in history and enjoy working with
groups. Some of our docents work primarily with elementary-school children,
others work more frequently with teens or adults. They find a niche that
matches their skills and interests. Docents receive a 10% discount on
all museum store merchandise and invitations to special Museum events.
But being a docent
doesn't happen by accident; it takes a real commitment. We provide information
about the history of the Chippewa Valley and training in giving tours
of our exhibits and historic structures.
Initial training sessions
teach prospective docents good communication and interpretative skills
as well as introduce them to the history of the Valley through the Museum
and its permanent exhibitions. These sessions are then followed up with
reading materials based on our exhibits, a chance to shadow experienced
docents as they give tours of the Museum, and ultimately the freedom to
solo with their own tours. After the initial training period, docents
are kept up-to-date with special seminars.
Want to be a CVM docent? Call Jill York, Volunteer Coordinator, at (715) 834-7871, or email her at j.york@cvmuseum.com
Want to learn more about our school tours? Click here.