Marston House Museum & Gardens
Volunteer Docent – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does a museum docent do?
A. Docents welcome visitors and conduct guided tours of the museum and grounds. They help interpret the history of the house, the Marston family, and San Diego’s cultural heritage. Docents may also occasionally staff the SOHO Museum Shop.
Q. Is prior knowledge of history or architecture required?
A. No. An interest and curiosity are far more important than prior knowledge. Docents receive training and a detailed manual, and ongoing education is provided throughout the year.
Q. What is the time commitment?
A. Docents are asked to commit to:
- Two 4-hour shifts per month
- A minimum commitment of one year
- Attendance at required training sessions
This consistency is essential to keeping the museum open to the public.
Q. What does training involve?
A. Training is primarily on-the-job and includes:
- Guided instruction at the museum
- Reading and study using the docent manual
- Training sessions led by historians, preservationists, and other experts
- Weekly notes
Many volunteers find training to be one of the most enjoyable parts of the program.
Q. Do I need to be comfortable speaking to groups?
A. Docents should be reasonably comfortable speaking with visitors. Extensive public-speaking experience is not required. Confidence and skills grow through training, shadowing, and experience.
Q. Are there physical requirements?
A. Docents should be able to:
- Stand for periods of time
- Walk through the house and gardens
- Navigate stairs
If you have concerns, we encourage you to discuss them with the docent coordinator.
Q. Are docents required to help with events or fundraising?
A. No. Participation in special events or additional activities is optional, though volunteers are welcome to get involved if interested.
Q. What should I wear?
A. Docents are expected to dress in neat, comfortable, and professional attire appropriate for a historic museum setting. Specific guidelines will be provided during training.
Q. What happens after I apply?
A. After submitting your application:
- You will be contacted by the docent coordinator
- You will be invited for an in-person meeting and site tour
- If selected, you will be invited to participate in docent training
Q. Why is SOHO selective about docents?
A. Docents play a vital role in interpreting and protecting historic sites. Because training and schedules depend on reliability, we look for volunteers who can make a sincere commitment and who are enthusiastic about learning and sharing history.
Please fill out your Museum Docent Application Form online. |
