Kentucky Historical Society
Kentucky Historical Society Seeking Volunteer Docents to Share Kentucky Heritage

Kentucky Historical Society Seeking Volunteer Docents to Share Kentucky Heritage

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 3, 2009)— The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is currently seeking volunteers to serve as Hands-on History Cart docents from March until May 2010 at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History.  Volunteer docents will enrich the visitor experience by interacting with school groups and other patrons in the permanent and temporary exhibitions at the Center for Kentucky History.

“If you have a strong desire to share our rich Kentucky heritage with students and are comfortable with public speaking, this volunteer docent program is perfect for you,” said Linda Grabon, KHS volunteer coordinator.  “Volunteer Hands-on History Cart docents bring the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History to life for our visitors, both young and old.”

Hands-on History Carts, which contain reproductions of items used during specific time periods in Kentucky history, foster learning and provide greater context for museum collections by providing an interactive experience to guests.

Hands-on History Cart docents must be able to communicate effectively with all age groups, especially students in kindergarten through high school. Volunteers will serve on an on-call basis, as available, Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from March until May. Volunteers will be required to attend eight three-hour training sessions (one per week) in February and March. These training sessions will be offered twice weekly.

“Training will allow volunteers to orient themselves with the staff and collections of the Kentucky Historical Society, as well as current practices in museum education,” said Mike Deetsch, KHS interpretive education administrator.

The Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History is part of the Kentucky Historical Society’s history campus, which also includes the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum.

For more information on the docent program or to schedule an interview, please contact Linda Grabon by Jan. 11, 2010 at 502-564-1792, ext. 4422 or linda.grabon@ky.gov.

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An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, established in 1836, is committed to helping people understand, cherish and share Kentucky's history. The KHS history campus includes The Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, Old State Capitol and Kentucky Military History Museum at the Old State Arsenal.  For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the Web site at www.history.ky.gov.