Junior Docents Program

Each summer, the Museums of Old York recruits students to volunteer in the education and curatorial departments as Junior Docents. Up to ten students are selected each year. This volunteer project has been designed to enhance the museum experience not only for the visitors but also for the Junior Docents. Students will receive extensive training in both content and techniques. They will be the youngest ambassadors of the Museums of Old York.

Click here to view then online exhibit of Folk Art, presented by the 2007 Junior Curators!

Positions:

Junior Docent will be asked to choose among the following positions:

Junior Interpreters will pick one of the following:

  • Give guided tours of the Emerson-Wilcox House with an adult staff member. Staff do not wear period clothing on this tour.

  • Demonstrate colonial crafts in period costumes at Jefferds' Tavern and the Old Gaol.

Junior Educator:

  • Help the education staff with the development, preparation and presentation of children's summer programs ("Morning Adventures" and one week-long camp).

Junior Curator:

  • Design and install an exhibit for the lower floor case at the York Public Library.

Please note that you must have experience as a Junior Educator or Junior Interpreter for at least one year before you can be considered for a Junior Curator position.

Eligibility and Requirements:

The student must be:

  • Between the ages of 12 and 18 by April 1, 2008

  • Recommended by an adult (could be a teacher), not a relative.

  • Mature, reliable, and enthusiastic with an outgoing personality.

  • Available for all training sessions and for volunteer work starting June 7, 2008 and continuing through the summer (and possibly fall).

  • Interested in gaining communication skills, acquiring museum knowledge and experiencing the processes of learning and teaching.

  • Parents must have a Family Membership to the Museums of Old York.

Selection Procedure:

Applications are due April 15, 2008. All qualified students will be interviewed by the education staff in April. The education staff will award positions to Junior Docents according to their preferences (formulated on the application form).

Training:

Students must attend all training sessions presented by the education staff. If students have a conflict with the training schedule, they must make arrangements to reschedule with Education Director Anne Poubeau at (207) 363-4974 x 12. These sessions will present general information on the museum and specific training on techniques for each field.

Training dates for 2008:

 

 

April

Individual Interviews and Selection of Position

May 29

General Orientation and Training

June 5

Training for Opening Day

June 12

Ongoing Training

June 19

Ongoing Training

June 26

Ongoing Training

Training times are from 3:00 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m and will take place at Jefferds' Tavern unless otherwise stated.

Work Schedules and Responsibilities:

  • Junior Docents will begin working at the museum on Opening Day (June 7, 2008). In July and August, they can work any day, Tuesdays through Fridays, depending on the activity they have chosen.

  • A serious time commitment of at least three hours per week during the July and August schedule is expected.

  • Time off will be given for family vacations or camp. Please give advance notice to the Education Director.

  • Since the Junior Docents represent the public face of Old York, they will be expected to wear professional clothing at all times. Junior Docents must also wear their nametag at all times.

  • Junior Docents who are performing or demonstrating a colonial craft will borrow a costume for the season. Please see Anne Poubeau for more details.

  • During the fall and winter, weekend volunteer opportunities will be available for Junior Docents. Please see Anne Poubeau about these special events.

Rewards:

Earn community service hours.

Students will receive a Junior Docent card, which will give them free admission to the Museums of Old York and a discount of 20 percent in the Museum Shop.

Students will receive training and volunteer job experience. They will receive a training folder for their specific activity.

Click here to download a copy of the Junior Docents Program Application

For more information:
Please contact Anne Poubeau, Education Director, at (207) 363 4974 x 12 or email education@oldyork.org.