A docent is a volunteer trained to help support a local historic site or history-based organization. Docents often lead tours of a historic house, assist with public programming or special events, and engage visitors!  

Specific responsibilities vary across historic sites, but there is always one thing in common - volunteer docents help keep history alive for future generations!

No prior experience is necessary! In this program, you join a community of learners interested in becoming docents – and you’ll meet with and learn from experienced docents at the same historic sites where you will volunteer. This program's collaborative training model teaches all participants the foundational skills and essential content knowledge needed to be a successful and confident docent. 

All levels of history knowledge are welcome! Participants attend workshops and lectures, participate in hands-on learning activities, go on field trips to historic sites, and so much more to build the history knowledge needed to engage with visitors and share Somerset County’s rich heritage!

You will also receive a variety of physical and digital toolkits full of useful information that you can read on your own time to learn more about each historic site you may choose to volunteer at!

This program takes place over a four-month period - here's a look at what you can expect!

FOUNDATIONAL TRAINING
September - October 2026 
Learn the core knowledge and essential skills of a volunteer docent in a cohort of peers through interactive learning, workshops, and field-based experiences!

• 4 In-Person Class Sessions (Somerville, NJ)
• 2 Virtual, Self-Paced Learning Experiences 

HANDS-ON LEARNING & SERVICE
October - December 2026
Time to practice what you've learned! You will be matched with one of Somerset County's historic sites to gain hands-on experience leading tours, supporting programs, engaging visitors, and most importantly - build confidence as a history docent!

• You will volunteer for at least 6 sessions of hands-on Learning & Service at your assigned historic site.
• Session dates and your docent responsibilities are flexible and dependent on your availability, interests, and historic site's needs!

DOCENT COMMUNITY CELEBRATION & GRADUATION
December 2026
Celebrate the progress you've made at a community celebration and docent graduation ceremony hosted by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission! Get an official volunteer name badge and certificate, take a class photo, and have some sweet treats on us!