WHAT IS A DOCENT?

A Docent is a trained volunteer who provides educational services for the museum visitor. The role of a docent is three-fold.
 

1. Serve as host to provide a welcoming atmosphere. A docent is one of Frank Phillips Home’s main representatives.
2. Serve as an interpreter of the Home, assisting to give the visitor a deeper understanding and appreciation of the lives of Frank and Jane Phillips.
3. Assist in preserving the collections by helping provide security in the home.

The educational role of the docent is the most important and challenging aspect of the job. In order to be effective, a docent cannot just lecture to an audience. One must strive to actively involve visitors in the interpretation. 

Individuals interested in becoming a docent or greeter should enjoy talking with people in a one-on-one environment. They should have a passion for customer service and for helping guests enjoy their experience. In addition, the following characteristics make a good docent:
 

• An interest in people of all ages.
• An excitement about learning and teaching the history of Frank and Jane Phillips.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• A sense of flexibility and cooperation.
• An ability to admit you don’t know everything.

BENEFITS

While the Frank Phillips Home is obviously the major beneficiary, we hope that docents also benefit from the educational opportunities and camaraderie provided by the docent program. In addition docents will receive:

• A chance to help with the history education of Bartlesville area youth.

• Satisfaction in learning more about Frank and Jane Phillips and their early history.

• Docent Newsletters.

• Training Opportunities with Lunch and Learn meetings.