Volunteer Opportunity: Docent
Are you the Boston Athenæum’s most enthusiastic member? Do you love the nooks and crannies of 10½ Beacon Street? Have you regaled your friends with tales of the BA’s eccentric founding librarian or resident ghosts?
Yes? Join our docent corps!
Docents connect members, their guests, and the public with the BA’s collections and history, as well as the architecture of its building, through programming such as:
- Full-building tours (public and private; in-person and virtual)
- Thematic “Up Close” tours on the first floor (public and private; in-person and virtual)
- Gallery talks for exhibitions and installations
- Discussions related to artworks and other special collections items
Candidates should be friendly, intellectually curious individuals who are eager and able to engage diverse, multigenerational audiences.
Acceptance as an Athenæum docent requires a background check and the successful completion of a 30-hour training course in late fall 2021 that culminates in a final exam. The training schedule will be determined based on participants’ availability.
Docents are asked to make at least a one-year commitment that includes the training course, a minimum of one volunteer shift per month, and attendance at docent meetings approximately once every 6-8 weeks.
As the BA’s current expansion project nears completion in 2022, docents will be encouraged to collaborate with the director of education to revise existing and develop new programming.
Applications are welcomed from BA members of all backgrounds and abilities and from members as young as 14. Bi/multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
To apply, complete the online docent application by Sunday, October 3, 2021.
Contact Director of Education Hannah Weisman at 617-720-7617 or weisman@bostonathenaeum.org with questions.
