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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Become a Docent
Tours and activities at SOHO's two museum sites are made possible by a group of specially trained volunteer docents and retail staff. Would you like to welcome visitors to the Marston House or Warner-Carrillo Ranch House?
SOHO's museum docents are a group of dedicated, trained volunteers, and are crucial to the operation of our two museums. After completing training, docents conduct personal tours. In addition, they may be called upon to staff a SOHO Museum Shop, and through other SOHO committees, involve themselves fully with the daily operation of these San Diego historic landmarks.
Are you a prospective docent?
- Do you have a curiosity or interest in San Diego history, architecture, culture, and historic houses?
- Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge and passion?
- Would you like the pleasure of introducing the late 1800's to early 1900's to people of all ages?
- Would you like to be a member of this special group that ensures that SOHO's museums stay open to the public?
- Would you like to work in a stimulating, beautiful and historically significant building?
- Can you commit to two 4-hour shifts per month for a minimum of one year?
If so, you are a prospective docent. Please see the Museum Docent Application Form. You will be called for a brief interview and then asked to come in for a more in depth interview with our volunteer coordinator.
Docent Training
Training takes place on-the-job though it does include some homework. Each museum has a unique set of criteria for serving guests. New docents receive a manual that contains detailed information regarding the museum, its history and the history of the people involved, and SOHO. Ongoing training happens throughout the year, usually on a quarterly basis, and all training sessions must be attended. They are often a favorite part of volunteering as the experts and authorities who come in to do the training are some of the region's most knowledgeable historians, curators, preservationists, and conservationists.
What's in store for you as a Docent?
- You become an integral part of SOHO's large group of volunteers and staff dedicated to the care and preservation of our museums for now and for future generations
- You are exposed to additional educational opportunities
- You are eligible to participate in activities, special events, and tours not open to the general public
Interested?
Please see the Museum Docent Application Form.
Paid Parking in Balboa Park – Volunteer Parking Information
The City of San Diego has now implemented paid parking throughout Balboa Park.
At this time, courtesy volunteer parking is available to verified SOHO/Marston House Museum volunteers who are fully trained and actively serving in ongoing docent or tour guide roles. Eligibility requires a minimum commitment of two 4-hour shifts per month for at least one year.
To receive complimentary parking during assigned volunteer shifts, eligible volunteers must have a parking pass that has been approved and submitted by their supervisor.
If a volunteer concludes their service with the program, or has four consecutive unapproved absences, SOHO/Marston House Museum will notify the City of San Diego that the individual is no longer eligible for courtesy volunteer parking.
Approved and registered volunteers may park at no cost in Level 2 and Level 3 parking lots, as well as at metered spaces along park roadways, including Balboa Drive on the West Mesa, during their scheduled shift times.
Docents in training who are City of San Diego residents are eligible to purchase a discounted monthly or annual Balboa Park parking pass. City residents also receive a reduced daily parking rate of $5 per day.
Looking for Employment with SOHO?
(SOHO is not accepting employment applications at this time.)
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ADVOCACY
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