Springfield Museums is now accepting applications for docents, who will serve as dynamic educators leading tours and programs in the galleries. Docents are volunteers trained to deliver engaging educational tours for K–12 students and adult visitors. Volunteers receive extensive instruction in museum collections and interpretive techniques led by curators and museum educators, enhancing both personal growth and visitor experiences.
With several grant-funded elementary school field trips planned for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year—thanks to the generosity of funders like MassMutual Foundation (via Smithsonian), MGM Foundation, Westfield Academy, Shurtleff Children’s Services, and the Michael Cimini Memorial Fund— the Museums are especially in need of history and science enthusiasts to join the docent program.
“Docents have the special privilege of sparking curiosity and creating memorable experiences for visiting school children,” says School Programs Supervisor Katie Merrill. “They play a vital role in enhancing the visitor experience of our five world-class museums!”
In addition to training and ongoing workshops, applicants accepted into the docent program also enjoy exclusive social events and an annual symposium, discounts on Museum School classes and at the Hanmer Museum Store, and free admission to select programs and lectures.
Multi-session training begins in late September and runs through winter or spring, depending on discipline (Art, History: up to 20 classes; Science, Dr. Seuss: up to 15 classes). Training takes place on weekday afternoons. Docents commit to leading at least 20 tours per year for two consecutive years following the training year. Tours generally occur Tuesday–Friday, 9:30 AM–2:00 PM, aligning with school field trips, but opportunities to lead tours or programs on evenings and weekends may be available.
Interested individuals should visit SpringfieldMuseums.org/volunteer to learn more and complete an application; email inquiries are welcome at docents@springfieldmuseums.org. Applicants will be reviewed based on qualifications and the number of docent guide openings available. Selected applicants will then be contacted for an interview.
MassMutual is the season sponsor of the Springfield Museums.