Building a Strong Docent Community The RISD Museum

Building a Strong Docent Community The RISD Museum Docent Council Judith A. Dorian, Touring Docent RESEARCH ASSISTANCE FROM Kathleen Munro, Touring Docent

RISD Museum Docent Council History Council Organization Bonding Activities

Museum History § Women’s Centennial Commission for RI exhibition of Philadelphia Exposition of 1876 was left with $1, 675 after meeting expenses. § With it, they founded School of Design. § In 1854, the Rhode Island Art Association was chartered. Students in the galleries, 1977

Docent History § Term “Docent” coined by Louis Earle Rowe at MFA Boston – No trained docents at the RISD Museum in 1958 § First Ed. Department Director in 1940 § Volunteer training began after that – Junior League, student teachers, volunteers § Eventually Docent training program was begun, followed by Docent Org. Galleries ca. 1910 Photograph by Sheldon

Governing Documents § Bylaws – Define docents and docent categories – Provide for and describe Docent Council § Handbook – Defines responsibilities of Docents and Museum

Bylaws § Officers § Membership § Dues § Meetings § Council § Amendment and review

Council Committees § Nominating Committee § Finance Committee § Library Committee § Enrichment Committee § Other Committees as necessary § A docent representative sits on the Museum’s Education Committee

Handbook § Prepared by Ed. Department in cooperation with Joint Planning Committee § Included statement from Education Department: The staff of the RISD Museum Education Department provides a supportive atmosphere that emphasizes best practice, active inquiry, constructive debate, personal growth, and meaningful interaction among docents, staff, and the public. To support the interpretive mission of the museum, educators and curators provide ongoing learning opportunities in the areas of art history, art education, educational philosophy and learning practices. Staff members are available for docents seeking assistance, guidance, or wanting to discuss any ideas or concerns. They keep docents informed about the Museum, manage administration related to the Docent program, and keep accurate records.

Docent Position Description § Obligations and Responsibilities – – – Attend weekly docent class Volunteer for required number of tours annually Understand follow Museum policies and procedures Secure replacement if you cannot fulfill a tour obligation Complete and submit planning & reflection forms § Docent Benefits

Goals and Guidelines § Best Practices § Tour Procedures and Logistics § Lead Docent responsibilities

Bonding Opportunities § Enrichment Committee – Plans trips and outings to other museums, exhibits and galleries § Holiday Party – Planned and sponsored by docents for docents and Museum staff § Season Opening Coffee – Provided by museum. Coincides with Spring meeting. Docent Picnic

§ Docent Forum – Quarterly newsletter edited by one of our docents § Docent Picnic – Coincides with our annual meeting, provided by the Museum § Bernstingle Lecture – Coincides with our annual meeting, provided by the Museum § Angel Project – Fund established and led by one docent to provide funds for buses to help K-12 students visit the Museum § Cookbook – 2005 project undertaken by docents; books were sold in the gift shop

Overall Sense of Community “With this group you never have to worry about which table you will be at, because all of the conversation is interesting”