To become a Docent at the Semitic Museum, you don’t need to be an expert in archaeology. You do need to be interested in the ancient Near East, comfortable with groups of people and excited about learning something new.

How do I become a Docent?
Applicants must submit an application and complete a training program. Docents must commit to at least one year of service as a Museum guide upon completion of the training.

What is the time commitment during the training?
Docents-in-training meet for class once-a-week from September 9, 2008 through May 12, 2009. Each class is approximately 90-minutes in length and includes a variety of learning activities – from discussions with curators to hands-on experiences with artifacts to practice tours in the galleries. Classes are held in the Semitic Museum building at 6 Divinity Avenue in Cambridge.

What is the time commitment for Docents after the training?
Because the number of requested tours varies throughout the calendar year, Docent involvement also ebbs and flows. During the academic year most Docents lead 3 tours per month. Generally, the months of April and May are very busy with school groups, and October is very active with events related to the Massachusetts Archaeology Month.

What are the benefits of being a Docent?
In addition to the fulfillment that comes from volunteer work, Docents enjoy a number of benefits:

- Discount on select items in the Museum Gift Shop
- Continuing education and training
- Field trips to other museums
- Annual Docent appreciation event
- Invitations to Semitic Museum events

As members of our community, Docents also have the opportunity to learn from experts, meet other people with shared interests, and glimpse a behind-the-scenes view of a lively Museum.

Taking the next step
Interested candidates should download the Docent Application Form. After receiving your completed application, a Museum staff member will be in touch to learn more about your interest and to inform you about the schedule for the next class cycle.