Wilton House Museum Docent

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Wilton House Museum

Volunteer Tour Guide

Job Description

Tour Guides lead visitors on a tour through the house museum, providing information relating to the history of the building, collection of objects, and the social history of eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century Virginians. Tour Guides are given an updated Docent Manual; complete a three-week training class that includes Emergency and Disaster procedures; and must successfully guide staff through the museum and exhibits before assuming regular Tour Guide duties. Regular refresher classes and guest-lecturers help to reinforce learned materials. Printed information reflecting new and current research and exhibits is made available to all docents.

Examples of Work:

• Conducts individual tours of historical area.
• Lectures on subjects of historical interest relative to the area.
• Collects fees obtained for tours of the museum and records visitor information.
• Escorts scheduled group tours of historic area.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety of the group.
• Process sales in the museum gift shop.
• General hours are flexible and may require some evenings and/or weekends.

Minimum Requirements:

An interest in and knowledge of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century American history, particularly that of Virginia. Teaching, or previous touring, experience is helpful. Complete training prior to giving tours.

For more information, contact Katie Watkins, Director of Education at 804-282-5936, ext 4, or by email at kwatkins@wiltonhousemuseum.org.