On Valentine’s Day, I must show some love and appreciation to the unsung hero of many museums: Docents.

A museum docent is a trained museum educator who leads tours, facilitates learning and engages visitors with exhibits. They are crucial for educational programming, often conducting tours for students and groups. Requirements typically include a passion for learning, strong communication skills, and a commitment to ongoing training. 

In my work and in my travels, I have met some of the finest museum people on earth. Whenever I visit a museum or historic site, I invariably encounter an enthusiastic, passionate docent or tour guide.

One of my favorite, unexpected museum experiences was with a security guard who had listened to docents at his museum so intently, that he was able to talk extensively about a tea set that MAY (or may not!) have once served tea to Abraham Lincoln.

Another docent gave me a very detailed lesson on how to cook on a wood burning stove from the 1870’s. She is also a historic re-enactor who cooks over an open fire at Civil War re-enactments. She cooks on a stove from a similar era to the one at her museum regularly. This is because she has one in her own home instead of a modern stove. Last year she cooked at traditional Thanksgiving meal on her stove. It took several days to prepare and made me extra grateful for my air fryer.

Docents typically LOVE to talk about their museum. If you ask them, they will tell you their favorite stories not included on the scripted tour, or take a few moments to show you their favorite artifact, exhibit, or place in the historic site

Docents help make art, history, and science collections accessible and interactive. This role requires a significant time commitment. It often involves several months of training, shadowing experienced staff, and continuous learning. Unfortunately, these roles are often entry level, unpaid, or low paid positions.

If you know a wonderful docent, give them a shout out in the comments. I will look for them in my travels!

You can also support an emerging museum professional or volunteer docent by sponsoring their membership in a state museum organization. Student memberships in Illinois start at $25. Membership to these organizations often reduces fees for conferences and trainings so museum people can network, learn about museum best practices and career opportunities. These organizations provide education, advocacy, and support for museum people.

Some of my favorite museum organizations are the Illinois Association of Museums and the Association of Midwest Museums. You can also support the Association of Midwest Museums by buying Proud Museum Person Merch!