For anyone who's dreamed of owning and showing off a world-class car collection – without having to wipe up the drips or check the tires – the California Automobile Museum's docent program might just be the answer.
The 25th Docent Training Class will begin on Thursday, January 7, 2010, 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.
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. 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 early 1900s to alternative power vehicles of the future, 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 further information call the California Automobile Museum at (916) 442-6802 or visit www.CalAutoMuseum.org.
The mission of the California Automobile Museum is to educate and entertain while preserving and promoting the automobile and its influence on our lives.