A docent is a trained guide that leads tours and assists with public programming at a local historic site! Volunteer docents engage with and educate visitors about local history. Specific responsibilities may change across the various historic sites, but there is always one thing in common - volunteer docents help keep history alive for future generations!

Yes! There is no prior experience necessary! In the Somerset County Docent Training program you will join a community of learners who are all interested in becoming docents – and you’ll meet with and learn from experienced docents at the same historic sites you will volunteer with. The Program’s collaborative training focuses on teaching all volunteers the basic, foundational skills and essential content knowledge that they will need to be a successful docent. 

That’s okay! All levels of history knowledge are welcome! During the Somerset County Docent Training Program, you’ll have the opportunity to attend workshops, listen to lectures, go on field trips to historic sites, and so much more to prepare you with the history knowledge you’ll need to engage with visitors and share Somerset County’s rich heritage! You will also receive Toolkits full of useful information that you can read on your own time to learn more about Somerset County’s local history and the history of the historic sites you may choose to volunteer at!

This program takes place over a six-month period - and there are plenty of fun activities and learning opportunities! Here's a breakdown of what you can expect as a participant in the Program:

Months 1 – 3 (6 Sessions Total)
Collaborative Training
Participants join a community of learners all working together alongside experienced docents and educators to learn the essential skills and knowledge you’ll need to be a successful volunteer docent! These sessions are a mix of classroom-style learning with interactive workshops and lectures, and field-based experiences like field trips to historic sites and special events! During these sessions, you'll learn about and get to meet the historic sites you can volunteer with. 

Month 4
Graduation & Volunteer Placement

Celebrate all that you’ve learned so far in a docent graduation ceremony hosted by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission! Then participate in a recruitment fair where you’ll get to talk with all five historic sites that you can be placed with to continue your volunteer service and learning. This is your opportunity to be matched with the historic site that you’re most interested in! 

Months 4 - 6
Learning & Service

Time to practice your skills and use your knowledge in action! Participants are asked to volunteer for at least 4 hrs/month for 3 months at their historic site. Learn the ins and outs of being a volunteer docent at your site! Collaborate with your Site-Based Trainer to practice leading tours or public programs, gain confidence, and have fun! Your Site-Based Trainer will be your mentor and help you grow as a docent. 

FUN FACT: Interested in learning/demonstrating an 18^th century skill or dressing in period-appropriate attire during your time as a docent? If so, this is the time to talk with your Site-Based Trainer!