The 26th Docent Training Class will begin on Thursday, January 6, 2011, at the Museum. They are seeking men and women interested in automobiles and their history who wish to become docents. Docents are volunteer teachers/tour guides who interpret the museum's story to people from around the globe; they are the Museum's personal outreach to its visitors. The California Automobile Museum's world-recognized docent course is a unique and enjoyable educational experience as well as an opportunity to get involved as a key volunteer in a fascinating Museum. "I decided to take the class because I had been a car buff and in the industry all my life," states Class of 2007 Docent, Ed Fabian. "Meeting new people and being able to impart car knowledge are what I really enjoy about this volunteer opportunity."
This 21-week program is presented by the docent training coordinator and taught by 45 subject-matter experts in automotive history, the world's many makes and makers of automobiles, and interpretation skills. These teachers will acquaint the class with the Museum and teach the history of the automobile, the early industry and its entrepreneurs, the cars in the Museum, the effects of the automobile on our lives and times, and how to present these topics to visitors of all ages. Joe Mikula, Class of 2010 comments, "I thought I knew a lot about cars, but I have learned so much more!" Also included are field trips to other automotive museums.
Extensive prior knowledge of cars isn't required, but candidates should enjoy working with people, have an interest in sharing automotive history, be at least 18 years old and able to donate two four-hour docent shifts monthly for two years following graduation.
A $95.00 fee covers the extensive course materials and a year's Individual membership in the California Vehicle Foundation, host organization to the California Automobile Museum. Scholarships may be requested.
The Museum contains a fascinating array of cars dating from the earliest days into the 1980s, along with many exhibits illustrating automotive themes in American life. Being a docent is a wonderful opportunity to meet interesting people and talk cars and car lore. For more information or to obtain an application, call the California Automobile Museum at (916) 442-6802 or visit www.CalAutoMuseum.org.
About the California Automobile Museum: This spacious 72,000 square foot museum is home to over 150 vehicles of various makes and models, ranging from the early 1900s to alternative power vehicles of the future. Exhibits recreate the love affair we have with automobiles and provide historical information about the automotive industry. The Museum's mission is to educate and entertain while preserving and promoting the automobile and its influence on our lives. The Museum is located at 2200 Front Street, between Broadway and Old Sacramento with ample free parking. The Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm, taking the last admission at 5pm and stays open until 9pm every third Thursday. For more information visit www.CalAutoMuseum.org or call (916) 442-6802.