Kentucky Historical Society
New Volunteer Docent Program Allows Citizens to Share Kentucky Heritage

Frankfort, KY (September 30, 2008)--The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) has developed a new volunteer program at the Old State Capitol in which those with a passion for history may share their knowledge with others.  Volunteer docents lead tours of the Old State Capitol to school groups, as well as other groups and individuals.

“If you have a strong desire to share our rich Kentucky heritage and are comfortable with public speaking, the volunteer docent program is perfect for you,” said Linda Garbon, volunteer coordinator.  “Volunteer docents bring the Old State Capitol to life for our visitors, both young and old.”

Docents, who are expected to donate three hours weekly, play an important role in conveying Kentucky history to guests of the Old State Capitol.  The next training session is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, and class size is limited to fifteen.

Widely recognized as an important example of nineteenth-century American architecture, Kentucky’s Old State Capitol was completed in 1830.  When constructed, the building boasted some of the finest architectural and artistic features found in a public building west of the Alleghenies.  Gideon Shryock, an early Kentucky architect, used architectural symbolism to connect the vigorous frontier state of Kentucky with the ideals of classical Greek democracy.  The building served as the capitol of the commonwealth of Kentucky from 1830 to 1910. 

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

For more information on the docent program or to complete the application process, please contact Linda Grabon at 502-564-1792, ext. 4422 or via email at linda.grabon@ky.gov.

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