Overview
This volunteer (unpaid) position reports to the Museum Educator. Docents (tour guides) lead groups on engaging tours through the museum’s exhibits and present educational workshops on topics ranging from music to George Washington Carver to the Underground Railroad. Docents help teach student and adult groups invaluable lessons about African American history, inclusion, and diversity.
Qualifications
Volunteer docents should have an energetic, engaging personality and be comfortable speaking to audiences of all ages. Experience in a formal or informal education setting is advantageous, but not required. The ideal volunteer should be dependable and creative, have an enthusiastic personality, a positive attitude, and an interest in the Museum’s mission to preserve, exhibit, and teach the African American history of Iowa. Tour scripts, workshop materials, and training are provided by the Museum’s education staff. Business casual dress is required.
Responsibilities
- Lead groups of students and/or adults on tours of the AAMI’s exhibits
- Present educational workshops to groups of students and/or adults
- Maintain and memorize knowledge of content in the AAMI’s exhibits and workshops
- Other duties as assigned
Time Commitment
Available hours are Monday to Saturday, between 9am and 4pm. Docent scheduling is flexible and based on scheduled tours. Tours are scheduled through the education department at least seven days in advance. Each shift requires a 1.5 to 3-hour commitment.
