SALT LAKE CITY — The Museum of Church History and Art is seeking individuals to serve as tour guides and to assist visitors. “Volunteers are invaluable to the museum,” said Glen Leonard, museum director. “They provide numerous services for our visitors, including tours of the exhibits, mini-lectures in the galleries, and outreach programs. They do a wonderful job. Yet we need more help.”
The museum has an immediate need for volunteers to serve as docents (tour guides). “We have openings for people with a variety of skills and interests in history, art, humanities, education, and in working with people,” explained Jennifer Lund, museum educator. “It is particularly important that volunteers have a good understanding of Church history.”
An intensive training program will prepare volunteers to give tours, present gallery talks and take outreach programs into the public schools. Classes will begin in January and will include sessions on Church history, art, the museum’s exhibits and collections, and group tour teaching techniques.
Tour guides in the museum serve one four-hour shift a week on weekdays or evenings. “Since Saturday is the busiest day of the week, we have a special need for additional volunteers to serve on Saturdays,” said Lund. “Saturday service provides the perfect opportunity for individuals who are anxious to serve but who have other commitments during the week, usually full-time employment.” Saturday volunteers in the tour guide program serve one four-hour shift every other week, rather than every week, to accommodate work schedules.
“This is the most rewarding volunteer service I have ever experienced,” notes Sandra Fraser, a volunteer tour guide and research assistant with 11 years of experience. “We have the
opportunity to learn first for ourselves. Then we help to interpret the history and art of our people for visitors of all ages from all around the world. We enjoy the heartwarming fellowship of our visitors, as well as a sweet association with other docents and staff at the museum. There are many occasions when it doesn’t feel like ‘service’ at all but a wonderful gift for yourself.”
Volunteer service at the museum is a part-time Church-service mission. Applicants must be members of the Church. Those interested in volunteering should call 801-240-4615 for more information and to make an appointment for an interview. Positions are limited, and a selection will be made based on the applicant’s qualifications and interests. The application deadline for the tour guide training program is 21 November. The museum is located at 45 North West Temple Street in Salt Lake City.