The Docent Guild & Associates - Michigan Historical Center


Docent & Associates Handbook


WELCOME!
	WELCOME to the Docent Guild of the Michigan Historical Museum. As a volunteer docent you have the opportunity to serve as an interpreter of the museum's collections for thousands of visitors annually. Webster defines a docent as a lecturer or teacher. "In the museum experience, the docent role is not only to inform, but to enlighten, and not only to teach but to guide visitors of all ages and backgrounds in explorations of the exhibits in relation to their past experiences and understanding."* Docents play an important and growing role in the museum family, as volunteers who serve as educators, ambassadors and representatives of our museum. The Docent Handbook is intended to introduce the docent program and to provide you with information regarding the museum and its structure. In return for your service, you will receive education and training that not only will prepare you for quality docent service but will enhance your personal life as well. To be a docent is enriching and stimulating. Each active Docent and Associate shall be furnished a copy of the current Hand Book for Docents and Associates upon completion of the training school. We look forward to your participation in the Docent Guild and wish you many privileged and rewarding years as a Michigan Historical Museum Docent.