Become a Volunteer Docent

The Colby Museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year, including schoolchildren from all across Maine. Volunteer docents provide invaluable support in engaging these visitors and have the opportunity to inspire a lifelong love of art in thousands of students.

No previous knowledge or experience is needed to become a docent, only a love of learning! As part of the docent program, participants will enjoy benefits such as access to Colby College classes and libraries, Museum gift shop discounts, social gatherings, and field trips.

As a docent, you will be surrounded by art, improve your public speaking skills, and be an essential part of a team that is deeply committed to art and the Central Maine community.

Docent training takes place twice a year and is a week-long intensive training course with instruction in art history, teaching, and storytelling techniques. For more information please contact Linde Family Foundation Coordinator of School and Teacher Programs Abby Newkirk, at 207.859.5623 or [email protected].

Expectations for Colby Museum Volunteer Docents are as follows:

• Be open to learning communication techniques, how and why people learn, as well as art history
• Attend the full 30-hour, week-long New Docent Training in January (one time only)
• Come to at least 9 of the 12 monthly docent meetings held at the Museum on the first Tuesday of the month from 2–3:30pm
• Shadow 3–4 tours in preparation for leading your own tour
• Be able to give 3 tours a semester, or a total of 9 tours per year
• Have the desire and ability to make the museum a fun, comfortable place for you and our visitors

Colby Students

The Colby College Museum of Art is committed to offering students professional development and mentorship opportunities here at Colby and through a regional, national, and global network of institutional partners. Visit our student opportunities page to learn more about getting involved with the Colby Museum.