Share Michigan History

Below is a press release from DNR about an opportunity for those who love history.

 

From DNR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 28, 2013

Contact: Maria Quinlan Leiby, 517-373-1685 or Christiana Hanson, 517-241-6852

Michigan Historical Museum invites you to share Michigan’s history

Do you have a passion for Michigan or an interest in our state’s history? If so, the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing needs you. On Wednesday, March 6, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. the museum, located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in downtown Lansing, will host an informational meeting for those interested in becoming volunteer docents.

The event will include information about the museum, the docent application process and the types of work docents do.

Docents welcome visitors in the museum galleries, answer questions and share their own interest and knowledge of Michigan’s past. The most successful docents have an interest in Michigan history, a desire to share their enthusiasm with the public, the ability to speak clearly before a group and a willingness to lead tours and programs for children and adults.

“I really enjoy working with the third-graders, and when we hit it off it’s a good experience for both them and me,” said docent Dick Hinshon. “Volunteering has turned out to be way more fun than I expected.”

Michigan Historical Center Director Sandra Clark appreciates the docents’ role. “Our docents are essential to making every visit an enjoyable learning experience for children and adults,” said Clark. “We hope many people will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about a great way to give back to our community and work with a wonderful group of people.”

Scheduling is flexible and can include weekend hours. Docents who complete training are expected to fulfill an annual time commitment. Docents also receive a museum store discount, free parking and special training opportunities.

Docent training begins on Wednesday, March 20, and consists of five weekly sessions, plus a later sixth session. In addition, trainees work with experienced docents who help guide them as they begin to work with visitors.

To learn more about the program or to R.S.V.P. for the March 6 meeting, please call 517-373-1359 or docentguild@gmail.com.

For more information on the Michigan Historical Museum, go to www.michigan.gov/museum or call 517-373-3559.

Admission fees for the Michigan Historical Museum are $6 for adults ages 18-64, children through age 5 are free, youth ages 6-17 may pay an optional $2, and seniors 65 and up are $4. Annual passes are available, and there is no admission charge on Sundays.

The museum and visitor parking are on the north side of Kalamazoo Street, two blocks east of M. L. King Jr. Boulevard. Weekend parking is free.

The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its museum and archival programs help people discover, enjoy and find inspiration in their heritage. It includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 10 regional museums, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, and the Archives of Michigan. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/michiganhistory.

 
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.