Columbia Docent

If you enjoy talking to people from around the world about the history of Columbia and the California Gold Rush era, becoming a Columbia Docent is the thing for you. Columbia docents help support the park year-round by interpreting Columbia’s historic buildings and Gold Rush community, operating the park museum/store, providing school programs, leading guided walks and assisting in park sponsored special events.

At Columbia State Historic Park the docents participate primarily in “living history” interpretation. This form of education brings the parks historic past to life with period correct clothing, props and historically decorated buildings, all of which provide docents a platform to take visitors back in time to the California Gold Rush era.

Becoming a docent at Columbia State Historic Park requires specialized training in public speaking, park history, the Gold Rush era, historic clothing, living history standards and more. The training course take place over multiple weeks with classes at the park. Once completed, volunteers join the ranks of our living history docents and are able to get involved bringing the parks past to life.

Volunteer Schedule – Year-round. Average 1 day per month.

Time Commitment – Minumum 50hrs per year required

Qualifications – No previous experience necessary. Experience or interest in public speaking preferred.

Training – 5-7 day training course provided by the park. Provided once a year.

Docent Benefits

• Receive email updates on the park and interpretive programs year-round.
• Earn District/Statewide Parks Pass for free entry in select parks
• Access to the online Docent Mercantile resources website
• Attend monthly docent meetings in the park
• Receive store discount in the Friend of Columbia Museum Store
• Attend annual docent appreciation dinner with guest
• Attend additional trainings and enrichments for docents with guest

Requirements

• Comfortable speaking in front of groups.
• Be comfortable in weather and changing temperatures.
• Willing to learn and share knowledge of the park resources with visitors.
• Able to work with children in family settings and in organized groups.
• Friendly, courteous and possess good communication skills.
• Positive attitude and willingness to work as a team member with park staff and visitors.
• Minimum age requirement is 18 years old. If younger there must be parental consent and participation.

For more information about joining this volunteer program, contact the Columbia Volunteer Coordination Office at columbiashp@parks.ca.gov.