Get Social – and Become a Docent

Combine your enthusiasms and meet new people by becoming a guide or a docent at cultural showcases near you.

Debbie Fauteux, 79, a devoted volunteer at the New Bedford Whaling Museum in Massachusetts, fondly remembers one of the most deeply moving experiences she’s had as a volunteer. She welcomed a group of blind visitors for a special tour, where they were invited to touch the exhibits including the immense whale bones and historic objects from the education (or teaching) collection.

Seeing these guests engage with the museum’s history in such a unique, hands-on way filled her with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.

“It was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life,” she says.

More than a hobby

After retiring from a 50-year nursing career, Fauteux decided to volunteer rather than spend her free time “watching soap operas” and responded to a local newspaper ad seeking volunteers. Fauteux has volunteered every Wednesday since 2011.

“I love it, I love it, I love it. I have learned so much about the history of the area I grew up in, and I’ve met wonderful people from all walks of life. I still have my nursing friends, but I’ve made new friends volunteering. Every day is an adventure, not to mention the fun we have. School groups come in, and you see the kids’ faces light up when they see the giant skeletons they think are dinosaurs (those are the whales). They are just in awe.

“Volunteering has kept me interested and interesting. It keeps you young, healthy and active at any age. When you retire, you’re not as involved anymore. By volunteering you have that great community that’s all yours. It’s a win-win all around.”

Victoria Hughes, New Bedford Whaling Museum’s associate director of museum learning says they have about 100 volunteers, many retirees. (They awarded a 45 year pin to one volunteer last year!)

“Some are people who grew up in the area and came here as children and just want to give back to the community,” she says.

No experience needed

Hughes  says becoming a museum docent doesn’t necessarily require any previous expertise—just a passion for learning and connecting with people. New volunteers embark on a hands-on adventure, starting with interactive classroom sessions that delve into the museum’s history and offer tips on how to give a tour. Once equipped with these skills, aspiring docents have the chance to shadow seasoned guides, witnessing firsthand how a tour can spark curiosity and wonder in visitors of all ages.

“Our volunteers make a big impact in the galleries,” Hughes says. “They do more than share facts—they create memorable experiences by answering questions, guiding guests, and offering a warm welcome. Their work helps make our museum inviting for everyone.”

Volunteers have several opportunities to get social themselves with monthly meetings with coffee and snacks, and special events including an annual recognition ceremony. They also go on field trips to other museums with fellow volunteers.

“Our volunteers contribute 13,000 hours annually. We could not engage all our visitors alone—82,000 in 2024–so we are so appreciative of what they do, and we offer flexibility because we recognize people have different commitments and people are volunteering for different reasons,” says Hughes.

A Passion for Space—and Volunteering

Lloyd Franklin, 65, volunteers as a docent at the private, non-profit International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, dedicated to the history and tradecraft of espionage and intelligence.

After concluding a distinguished 36-year career as an aerospace engineer, Franklin maintains his interest in the Apollo Program and other spaceflight missions, and is a member of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club. He continues to seek meaningful ways to contribute to the community.

“When I first heard about the museum, I became a member and helped support it. In 2019 they built a brand-new building to house the museum with double the exhibit space. They have fascinating events like a panel on the future of NATO, moderated by Leon Panetta.

“Then, last summer, they decided to start a docent program. I applied, had an interview and entered a three-month training program conducted both in person and virtually on ZOOM. I was familiar with the exhibits, but it was a great learning experience,” Franklin says.

Each docent leads a personalized tour, covering gallery highlights and sharing stories not found on exhibit labels. Franklin explains intelligence collection, spy gadgets, codebreaking, and features unexpected spies like famed chef Julia Child and professional baseball player and coach Moe Berg.

Over the past year, Franklin says, he donated 300 hours of his time volunteering (the museum asks for a minimum of 8 hours a month) signing up for shifts via website.

“It’s like a second career—I get to share my knowledge with visitors from around the world, connect with museum staff and volunteers who feel like family, and genuinely have fun.”

Corey Price, Volunteer Manager at the International Spy Museum, says this role is ideal for lifelong learners.

“The docent program enables participants, especially seniors, to share their knowledge, find purpose, and engage with a diverse community. Training is collaborative, and giving tours offers opportunities to connect with visitors worldwide, exchange perspectives, and teach others.”

If you’re age 50-plus and passionate about empowering older adults to use technology to make changes in their lives, then volunteering with Senior Planet may be the perfect opportunity for you. There are many different ways to volunteer online or in-person at one of our centers. 

Tips for Volunteering

Like a specific art gallery or museum? Start on their website. There’s usually a tab “get involved” or “volunteer.” You’ll be more passionate about a place you already like to visit.

Check for training times. For example, Orlando Art Museum offers docent training only once a year in the spring.

Be aware of how much time training will require. For example, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs, MS has a four-day training program for docents.

Check if there is a required minimum number of work hours per week or month.

Love your city and want to share its history and culture? Organizations like the International Association of Tour Directors & Guides offer education, networking and hiring at their yearly conference.

Many cities offer local associations as well, such as the The Guide Association of NYC,  which also focuses on training and education.

Photo: Lloyd Franklin

 

Jennifer Juergens Thomas has a lifelong interest in how people get together.  As a former AP reporter she covered feature stories and later wrote about conventions from Anaheim to New  Zealand as editor of Meetings and Conventions magazine. She was a public relations consultant for clients like the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives focusing on how and why people need to get together. An Orlando resident, she continues to contribute to Meetings Today magazine among other ventures.