Fairfield Museum Seeks Docents from Community

From Fairfield Museum:

Lifelong learners take note: the Fairfield Museum and History Center is looking for people in the community who want to share their interest in history with students and visitors by becoming a museum docent.

Find out how to become a docent through a free orientation session on Friday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at the museum, 370 Beach Rd. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Seating is limited, and pre-registration is required by calling (203) 259-1598 or emailing Christine Jewell, director of education, at education@fairfieldhs.org.

The education staff at the museum will present an overview of docent opportunities as well as a “highlights of the historic Town Green” walking tour.

Docents are trained educators who present guided tours including walking tours of Fairfield’s historic Town Green, house tours of the 1750 Ogden House and exhibition tours. The volunteer position offers adults the chance to learn about local history and also to work directly with the public. The Museum Docent Program is intellectually stimulating and socially rewarding and includes readings and discussions on various topics in American history and education.

Those interested in becoming a Fairfield Museum docent need to complete an application and interview, attend training sessions and commit to conducting tours during the week or weekends for at least one year. Docent benefits include field trips, access to evening lecture series by noted historians and the opportunity to meet others interested in history and education.

Mike Brennan became a docent at the Fairfield Museum after a 35-year long career in publishing.

“Especially gratifying to me,” Brennan said of his role at the museum, “is to experience the awakening awareness of the past in young children. It is a privilege to be a part of this process.”

Barbara Lucia, another Fairfield Museum docent, said she enjoys the educational opportunities afforded by the volunteer position.

“In addition to being able to share my knowledge and interest in history with both children and adults, it is also an opportunity to further my own learning through the excellent workshops, lectures, and day trips that are offered,” Lucia said.

“We are planning several exciting new projects that will open in spring 2017, including new exhibitions in the Sun Tavern and the Victorian Cottage and Barn,” according to Jewell. “Docents will be an important part of the new educational programs and tours for visitors that will launch next spring and summer.”

Whether you’ve lived in the area for many years or are a new resident, you are invited to discover the rewards of sharing the rich history of the town of Fairfield and the region with students, families and adults.

Photo courtesy of Fairfield Museum