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| BECOME A VOLUNTEER | ||||||
| HELP OTHERS LEARN ABOUT OUR GREAT STATE | ||||||
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| What qualifications do I need? | ||||||
| The most successful docents have: | ||||||
| - A deep interest in Michigan history, | ||||||
| - A desire to share their enthusiasm with the public, | ||||||
| - The ability to speak clearly before a group, | ||||||
| - The ability and willingness to lead tours appropriate for children and | ||||||
| - Adequate time to fulfill this commitment. | ||||||
| What's my commitment? | ||||||
| We ask for 100 hours of service each YEAR. | ||||||
| The Michigan Historical Museum relies on docent assistance seven days a week. Scheduling is flexible, allowing convenient hours for docents who are employed. Most docents volunteer for a three-hour shift either weekly or every other week. | ||||||
| Where is the museum located? | ||||||
| 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing (2 blocks west of the Capitol) | ||||||
| The Michigan Historical Museum, located in the Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing, is the flagship of the 12 sites of the Michigan Historical Museum System. The Michigan Historical Museum offers twenty-six permanent galeries (on three levels) and a Special Exhibit Gallery which combine to tell the story of Michigan's past from precontact through the late 20th century. Exhibits include interactive computers, audio-visual presentations and hands-on elements. | ||||||
| What kind of training will I receive? | ||||||
| Training generally takes 11 weeks at the Museum. | ||||||
| As a candidate, you will participate in 3 hour hands-on training sessions in the museum galleries. Training is offered several times a year. Mentoring by experienced docents will introduce you to the "on-floor" experience. You will also have the opportunity to attend continuing education programs that keep you up-to-date about new exhibits and Michigan history. | ||||||
| What do Docents actually do? | ||||||
| Lots of things! For example: | ||||||
| - | Lead tour groups of children/adults, | |||||
| - | Present a gallery to groups touring on their own, | |||||
| - | Demonstrate a craft such as candle dipping or tin punching | |||||
| - | Conduct a Theme Excursion, to give in-depth knowledge of a specific aspect of Michigan history, such as Life of a Lumberjack or Growing Up in Michigan | |||||
| Are there other ways I can help? | ||||||
| Yes, we're glad you asked! | ||||||
| Other opportunities for docents include helping in the Museum Store, assisting in the Archives of Michigan (a sister agency of the Michigan Historical Museum) and working on special projects. | ||||||
| So where do I go from here? | ||||||
| Getting information is simple and there are a couple of ways to submit your application. | ||||||
| 1. | For information, telephone the Michigan Historical Museum at (517) 241-0594 or send an e-mail to Dave Bridgens at bridgensd@michigan.gov. | |||||
| 2. | Begin the process of becoming a docent by printing the docent application [PDF], completing it and then mailing it to: | |||||
| Docent Guild and Associates of the Michigan Historical Museum P.O. Box 10044 Lansing, MI 48901-0044 | ||||||
| - OR - | ||||||
| Fill in the on-line application (click here) and it will be forwarded to Dave Bridgens. | ||||||
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