*Volunteer Docent Training at Maritime Museum *

Would you like to experience the life of an early 19th century Great Lakes sailor sailing aboard the replica tall ship Friends Good Will? Do you want to tell the dramatic story of this remarkable sailing vessel when the British ruled the Great Lakes and America was a young nation, vying for independence? Are you interested in learning fascinating stories of the natural and cultural history of Michigan’s Great Lakes?

If you would like to enhance the experience of Maritime Museum visitors, make new friends, learn new things, teach people and share knowledge, have fun, and make a difference…become a Museum docent.

What is a docent? The Michigan Maritime Museum defines a docent as a person with an inquisitive mind who is interested in helping others understand and appreciate the beauty of our natural, cultural, and historic maritime resources. Docents are people who give of themselves and their time to do something in relation to a cause in which they believe; people who are ready to help where help is needed; and people who are ready to serve where service is wanted. Docents are vital to the Michigan Maritime Museum, for without them, the Museum would be unable to provide all the services our community enjoys and deserves.

Men, women, and youth are invited to become docent tour guides for the various Museum exhibits. Training is provided which covers the history of the Museum, the historic tall ship Friends Good Will, the Great Lakes commercial fishing tug Evelyn S., United States Coast Guard rescue vessels, content and stories of exhibit galleries, and basic interpretative techniques for conducting group tours. New volunteers can select the program area(s) they would like to specialize in as a docent and receive personalized coaching. Upon successful completion of the Docent Training Course, volunteers will have the skills to tell captivating stories of the Great Lakes while helping to preserve our maritime heritage.

The Docent Training Course is offered each spring, with continuing
education provided year-round. Docents are asked to volunteer a minimum of eight hours per month; with the busiest months being May through early June and September through early October.

Being a docent may very well be one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences in life. Docents are respected and appreciated, and the Michigan Maritime Museum is deeply grateful for their commitment, professionalism, and integrity.

The 2009 Spring Docent Training Orientation will be held at the Maritime Museum on April 1 from 3:30 -5:00. For more information or to register, please contact Mary Stephens, Interim Education/Volunteer Coordinator, at 269.637.8078 or
mstephens@michiganmaritimemuseum.org