BECOME A MUSEUM DOCENT
BECOME A MUSEUM DOCENT
Thank you for your interest in the Lynn H. Wood Archaeological Museum’s docent program. Here you will find more information.
The word docent is derived from the Latin verb, “docere,” meaning, “to teach.” A museum
docent’s primary task is to educate the visitor about the museum’s collections and
exhibits. At the Lynn H. Wood Archaeological Museum docents are trained volunteers
who guide visitors through the museum and are available to answer questions.
Docents engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds in an active exploration of art,
history, and archaeology. They are the museum’s public representatives. In addition
to facilitating the visitor’s experience, docents are responsible for staffing the
docent’s desk, monitoring museum equipment and displays, maintaining the docent log,
and encouraging visitor feedback through visitor survey online form. Experienced docents
may be asked to give guided tours.
They are expected to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the content of the museum’s exhibitions and have a basic knowledge of the objects in the museum. In addition, every docent must attend docent meetings and may be asked to participate in the museum’s special events. Finally, a docent is expected to adhere to the dress code and dress appropriately when on duty.
A good docent is punctual, reliable, helpful, and cordial to all visitors. A good
docent has a positive attitude, a strong interest in the Bible and archaeology, and
demonstrates the ability to speak to groups and follow established lesson plans. As
tour guides, docents must be willing to actively improve their interpretive skills
and increase their knowledge of biblical archaeology.
Those entering the docent program must attend two one-hour training sessions with
the curator or the museum coordinator. These sessions will include a guided walkthrough
of the museum’s exhibition areas, a detailed explanation of the museum’s daily operations,
and a brief overview of the museum’s emergency response protocols. In addition, docents
may participate in a museum studies class (when available). Within the first four
months after joining the program, docents are evaluated through an oral and written
examination that will demonstrate knowledge of the museum and the docent handbook.
- An initial training program in museum education and interpretive techniques.
- Invitations to symposia, gallery talks, and other continuing education events.
- Field trips, including docent-led tours at neighboring museums.
- Time with others who are passionate about art, archaeology, and learning.
- Time with archaeologists, biblical scholars, art historians, and museum professionals.
- Invitations to exhibition opening receptions at the museum.
- Invitations to various Institute of Archaeology events and activities.
- Free Museum membership and subscription to DigSight newsletter.
- Unrestricted access to the William G. Dever Research Library.
- Annual docent appreciation dinner and/or excursion.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Kerre Conerly
Institute of Archaeology / Graduate Program Office Manager
Southern Adventist University
P.O. Box 370
Collegedale, TN 37315
Phone: 423.236.2033
Email: kconerly@southern.edu
Institute of Archaeology / Graduate Program Office Manager
Southern Adventist University
P.O. Box 370
Collegedale, TN 37315
Phone: 423.236.2033
Email: kconerly@southern.edu