Museum Junior Docent Program-Orientation March 1st!

The McMinn County Living Heritage Museum in Athens, Tennessee has begun a Junior Docent Program for students between the ages of 12 and 18. In a recent effort to recruit new volunteers at the Living Heritage Museum, several of our area youth have expressed an interest in volunteering. To fill this need, the Living Heritage Museum has developed a Junior Docent Program.

There’s more to being a Junior Docent than just being a tour guide. From helping in the gift shop to doing research to helping develop exhibits there’s sure to be something to stir your interest. Students are trained to participate in a variety of educational programming such as leading tours, welcoming visitors, helping customers in the gift shop, supporting staff in research, hosting special events and assisting with hands-on projects.

The Museum asks its volunteers for a commitment of time and effort, enthusiasm, and a positive and supportive attitude. In return, we offer the benefits of interacting with artists, scholars and museum staff; developing and expanding public speaking skills; broadening your knowledge of history; a sense of achievement in working with the public and the rewards of working in a warm and friendly environment. No formal background is required and no experience is necessary. We seek dependable, friendly, enthusiastic and committed people who enjoy working with diverse groups of people, learning through doing, and examining the world through its artifacts.

Join us for a fun filled evening Thursday, March 1, 2007 for the Junior Docent and Parent Orientation. This informal get-together will be held in the Guild Room of the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, located on the bottom floor of the Museum. Class begins at 6:00 pm and end at 7:30 pm. And don’t worry, dinner’s on us!

This is your opportunity to meet the Museum staff, get a “Behind the Scenes” tour of the Museum and find out what the guidelines and expectations are for the Docent Program. Docents will also receive their official Junior Docent Handbook full of important information. This is also the perfect time to come with any questions you may have about the Program.

Please have your Junior Docent Applications returned to the Museum by February 26, 2007. If you would like a copy of the application forms, stop by the Museum between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, call 745-0329 or go online at http://www.livingheritagemuseum.com/. Docents should be between the ages of 12 and 18.

• Diane Hutsell, Executive Director