Docent Program

Become a Docent!
The Education Department is accepting applications for the Fall 2005 New Docent Class. Please contact Maura O'Shea, Curator of Education at 860-229-0275, ext.227 for more information or email her at osheam@nbmaa.org.

What is a Docent ?
A Docent is a teacher, serving the museum and the community in the field of art education.

What Do Docents Do?
Docents contribute to the NBMAA in several important areas:
Touring: Docents serve as tour guides to more than 5,000 schoolchildren and 50,000 visitors annually.
Art Lectures: Docents may present talks to schools, community groups and senior centers in the region.
Research: Docents prepare background information on Museum exhibitions and acquisitions for the use of docents who tour and give lectures.

Are There An Prerequisites for Joining the Program?
All that is needed is an interest in and commitment to our program. Few of our docents have a degree in art. Bilingual persons are strongly encouraged to apply to the program as there is a need for multi-lingual tour guides at the NBMAA.

What Benefits Do Docents Enjoy?
Docent training is an exciting review of the latest art scholarship and art education ideas. It is a graduate course without the tests! Docents also enjoy special docent trips to museums throughout the Northeast as well as opportunities to meet artists and work with museum professionals.

What Does the Training Program Involve?
The training program lasts nine months from September through May. Museum staff, docents and guest lecturers lead the trainees in the study of the history of art; the elements of art; museum education; and the study of the Museum's collection. Docents-in-training perfect their skills in various areas of docent service and in June of each year, they graduate and join the many active docents serving the NBMAA.

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