News Flash

Do you love history, and have talents to share to help support one of Downtown Hampton's most active and dynamic organizations?

With summer nearly over and the school year beginning soon, the Hampton History Museum seeks volunteer tour guides and is hosting docent training for new and prospective volunteer museum educators on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 1-5 pm.

Experience is preferable, but not required.  What is need is an enthusiasm for sharing the city’s past and the ability to engage students in experiential leaning about history and the people who came before us.

Each fall, all Hampton City High School 5^th grade students visit the Hampton History Museum. The museum seeks volunteers who are available weekdays October and November from 9 am to 1 pm to serve as docents for the students. Spring tours for High School seniors take place in February and March, with increased visitation in February during Black History month. In addition to the tour duties, the museum has need for volunteer educators to lead afterschool learning experiences and assist with outreach at public events.

Docent training includes an in-depth tour of the Hampton History Galleries led by curator Allen Hoilman, registrar Beth Austin and educator Kris Peters. In addition to the history, tour methodologies will be covered. Veteran docents will share their experience on issues such as behavior management and other school group related issues.

It is not necessary to be present for the entire four-hour training session. Dropping in or having to leave early is understood.

Volunteering at the Hampton History Museum offers a number of perks including free memberships to the museum and a 15% gift shop discount, among other incentives.

People interested in becoming a volunteer museum educator, but unable to attend the docent training event, are encouraged to contact volunteer coordinator Jasmaine Downs at jasmaine.downes@hampton.gov or call 757-727-6822, or fill out a volunteer application. 

The Hampton History Museum is located at 120 Old Hampton Lane in Downtown Hampton. There is free parking in the garage across the street from the museum. For more informationcall 757-727-1102.