Museum Guide Program

Letter to Prospective Guides | Museum Guide Application

Who are Museum Guides?

The Guides are dedicated volunteers who provide interactive educational tours to school and community groups, and the general public year round. People of all ages and backgrounds participate in tours of the Museum’s Permanent Collection, changing exhibitions, the Sculpture Park and exhibitions that travel to area schools.

Who Should Apply?

If you like to work with people, want to learn more about contemporary art, and have some time to volunteer, consider joining DeCordova’s outstanding team of Museum Guides. You don’t need a background in art or teaching our volunteers have a variety of backgrounds and work experiences. All that we ask is that you be open-minded and willing to learn.

DeCordova Museum Guide Program

The program is long-term (two-year minimum) and trains volunteers to work as educators with a broad range of people who want to learn about art. The Museum staff oversees the Guide Program. The Guide Council consisting of representatives serve as liaisons to the Museum staff. They meet regularly to focus on issues and ideas pertaining to the guides. The intimate program size (30–45 Guides) allows for a close connection to, and assistance from, Museum personnel and experienced guides.

Time Commitment

Because the actual investment of time intensifies and wanes as the exhibitions change, our Museum Guide program requires flexibility. The commitment of a Museum Guide averages three to five hours per week for the year. This includes scheduled training sessions and 20 required tours per year. (Some guides choose to conduct many more tours.) Generally, the months of April and May attract school groups on their annual field trips. Occasionally, very popular exhibitions demand more than the average number of tours.

Application Process

Interested candidates should request and fill out an application. The Museum Education Staff will interview each candidate to answer questions about the program. Once interviewed and accepted into the program, enrollment in the Museum Guide Training Course is mandatory. Acceptance into the program requires candidates to commit to being Museum Guides for at least a year after the initial training course is over.

We will train you!

We have an extensive training program that prepares Guides for their duties. In October 2007, the Education Department will begin the Museum Guide Training Course covering relevant topics with a focus in art education, teaching techniques and art history. The course runs once a week for 22 weeks.

What happens after the training course?

After the course, Guides meet for orientation on each changing exhibition. There are three to four major exhibitions and eight to ten minor exhibitions throughout the year. In addition to tours and training, Guides participate in trips and social and Museum events.

Benefits

Besides the good feeling of knowing you are helping people discover their ideas and feeling about art, you are giving time to a non-profit organization. Guides also have benefits that give you free or discounted access to DeCordova classes and events, and free admission to other museums. Our Guides have the opportunity to interview artists, socialize with interesting people, and gain an insider’s view of the Museum.

As told by current Museum Guides…

“I get more out of it than I put into it!”

“I really enjoy learning about art, especially what’s happening in the art world now!”

“This type of volunteering is always challenging—every tour group is different, I’m always thinking: What can I do to make my tour exciting for this group”

“I’ve always liked art, now I feel as though I know a lot more about it.”

“The kids are great. It’s so nice to see them get excited about art.”

“I retired and had some time on my hands. Working as a Guide keeps my mind active.”

“It’s an even exchange, I volunteer many hours, and I get a lot of training and benefits out of it.”

For more information about the Museum Guide Program or to receive an application call Susan Diachisin, Manager of Interpretive Programs at 781/259-3632 or email sdiachisin@decordova.org.