Museum Docent Program
"Museum docents are distinguished from other volunteers by their dedication to learning, teaching, and studying." Alison Grinder, The Good Guide

As an educational institution, one of the most important things we do is to share our knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay with our visitors. And on the front lines of that endeavor is a dedicated group of people known as docents. At present, more than 70 people volunteer their time and talents to provide tours, conduct school programs, and interpret our exhibits. All told, their efforts help to provide a positive, enriching experience to the more than 93,000 Museum visitors each year.

But being a docent doesn't happen by accident; it takes a real commitment that begins each March when the Museum's Education Department holds its formal training program. In conjunction with the spring lecture series, the initial training sessions teach prospective docents good communication and interpretative skills as well as introduce them to the history of the Chesapeake Bay through the Museum and its permanent exhibitions. These sessions are then followed up with suggested reading lists, shadowing experienced docents as they give tours of the Museum, and ultimately soloing with their own tour.

After the initial training period, docents are regularly kept up to date throughout the year with special seminars on such topics as the Bay's ecology, working effectively with children, and interpreting the Museum's newest exhibitions. This year a session on Waterman's Wharf featured talks by local biologists and watermen, an opportunity to trotline for crabs, and a visit to a commercial seafood house.

Docents usually meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the Van Lennep Auditorium to discuss business, exchange experiences, socialize, and often hear an informal presentation by outside experts.

To download the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's interpreter guidebook, click here.

To learn more about how you can lend your talents to a great cause, call Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Spielman at (410) 745-2916 x252 or send your e-mail to mspielman@cbmm.org.

Docents receive a 20% discount on purchases in the Museum Store.

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