The Indiana State Museum is currently accepting applications for participants in the museum docent program.
Docents enhance visitor experiences and increase awareness about the museum and the state of Indiana by conducting public tours, gallery presentations and special programs. Successful docents should be enthusiastic, have strong public speaking skills, be open to working with visitors of all ages and enjoy learning and teaching about the Hoosier state.
These volunteers will receive a museum membership upon completion of a minimum number of hours, free parking at the museum when volunteering, as well as continuing education opportunities and special discounts.
For 2013, the museum will be offering a weekend class opportunity. Before working with visitors, docents must attend a once-a-week training program for 10 weeks to learn about the State Museum, its mission, the museum’s collections as well as elements related to the state’s cultural and natural history and art.
Trainings will take place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon beginning March 9. Once training is complete, docents are required to perform 150 volunteer hours per year. The museum said don’t let the number of required hours scare anyone off because there are always plenty of opportunities and events to volunteer during the weekday and weekend. If weekend training is not a viable option for interested candidates, an expanded 20-week training will be offered starting in September.
To receive an application or to ask questions about either of these training options, contact Jane Runge Darlage, manager of volunteer services, at jdarlage@indianamuseum.org or at (317) 650-9589. Applications for the spring class must be submitted by Feb. 8.
