Most Smithsonian museums operate Docent Programs through their public programs or education departments. Docents are volunteer teachers who provide group learning experiences in the form of museum tours, demonstrations, or instruction in special activity areas.
The Docent Program year varies from museum to museum. Some operate October through May; others operate year-round. Training programs, eligibility requirements, openings, and time commitments also vary.
If you wish to participate in a museum Docent Program, information is available on each museum or unit website.
- African Art Museum Education Office
- Air and Space Museum and its Udvar-Hazy Center Docent Program
- American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery Docent Program
- American History Museum Docent Program
- Asian Art Museum Docent Programs
- Hirshhorn Gallery Guide Program
- National Zoo Friends of the National Zoo Dept. of Education
- Natural History Museum Volunteer Program
- Portrait Gallery Docent Program
- Postal Museum Department of Education
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Public Programs
- Smithsonian Gardens
- Visitor Center in the Smithsonian Castle, contact info@si.edu.
