The Rocklin History Museum Needs Docents

Would you like to give back to your community and contribute to its rich cultural heritage?  Volunteer as a docent for the Rocklin History Museum and you will have the opportunity to do just that!

Docents perform essential tasks for the Rocklin Historical Society and serve as some of our best representatives to the community.  We value the volunteers who take the time to help us with this essential service to the community and recognize them regularly in our publications.

Prospective docents will be trained by experienced Rocklin Historians and will learn how to use the museum's equipment and how to handle precious historical artifacts.  During this brief training period, volunteers will be able to shadow existing docents to learn the duties of the job.  The skills you learn as a docent are both valuable to add to a resume and a lot of fun!

The time commitment for docents is variable but we request a minimum commitment of three hours per month (one museum shift/month) for a twelve month period.  Available shifts are from 1-4pm every Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday.

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The following are more details, provided by the head of the docent program, Barbara Chapman:

DOCENT NEEDS

We do have a need for more docents.

The time commitment would be once a month for one year, to begin after three months of “shadowing” with current docents. You would be expected to fulfill three hours once a month.  Promptness and reliability are expected and appreciated.  The Museum is now open three days a week – Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

High standards of personal grooming and cleanliness are expected. Clothing must be neat, clean and suitable for the performance of duties consistent with safety and interpretive needs.  A pleasant and professional attitude is all-important. Each visitor is a guest. It is your responsibility to see that their visit is pleasant, educational, and safe. Sincere concern and friendly interest must characterize your dealings with visitors. Prejudicial statements, actions or sexual harassment is not accepted or tolerated.

As a Museum docent you are an interpreter, not a disciplinarian. Two docents are scheduled to work together on each day we are open. We do not solicit visitors for gifts or accept money except for free donations to our Museum. All docents are trained in use of equipment, and how to use or handle artifacts.  Use of alcohol or the abuse of any drug while performing volunteer duties is prohibited. Smoking is not permitted in our Museum and only outside in a designated area.

Training could be available through four or five members of the Rocklin Historical Society; namely, Gay Morgan, Susan Brooking, Roy Ruhkala, Ruth Williams.  Individual speakers can supplement this experience with focuses on video presentations and individuals who speak on one particular historic figure or event.  The length of time needed depends on these trainers and their schedules.  I would imagine at least three meetings of two or so hours each.  The optimum schedule would be once or twice a year (and offered as time would allow).

Once you start, don’t be embarrassed to ask questions. Volunteering is challenging and emotional. Be aware of your energy level, and take your time to learn.  You should be willing to learn and share historic and cultural information and to continuously improve presentations to our visitors.

Please contact Barbara Chapman if you are interested in volunteering: bchapman1234@sbcglobal.net.

Danielle Loebs

External Publicity Coordinator

Rocklin Historical Society