Sonoma parks seek docents for training

Volunteer training begins Sept. 6|

The Sonoma State Historic Park and Petaluma Adobe State Park’s “Volunteer in Parks Program” (VIPP) is looking for individuals with an interest in local history to train as docents and lead tours. VIPP’s multi-session training program will prepare volunteers to give historical context to visitors at the parks’ five unique sites: Sonoma Mission, Sonoma Barracks, Toscano Hotel and Kitchen, General Vallejo’s Home and Rancho Petaluma Adobe.

People interested in local history and the region’s role in forming the State of California are ideal, and – as representatives of the State – will benefit international tourists, students, newcomers and visiting locals with their unique expertise. New docents will be trained as tour guides following a series of instructional sessions in September and October, developing the practical skills to interpret exhibits in a museum setting.

Applications are available at www.parks.ca.gov/sonomashp, with an orientation scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. The first training is Thursday, Sept. 13, with a “Historical Sites Lecture” at Sonoma Mission Chapel from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Subsequent trainings are scheduled on Saturdays through Oct. 6, culminating with “Interpretation and Curation” instruction on Thursday, Oct. 11. At the conclusion of training, newly-minted docents are paired with experienced volunteers to design and practice their own tour.

Docents are expected to commit four weekend hours each month to the parks, leading visitors through the grounds and exhibits with an informative program of their own design. They will meet new people, develop public speaking skills, participate in special events and contribute to the vitality of their community. All volunteers are welcome, and bi-lingual and bi-cultural individuals are especially encouraged. Contact volunteer coordinator Joleen Ossello at (707) 938-9547 for additional information.

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