Docent Volunteer

Docent volunteers facilitate an informed interpretive experience to connect visitors with the Ransom Center’s collections. Docents welcome, orient, and guide visitors through 2-3 thematic rotating exhibitions per year, as well as permanent exhibitions like the Gutenberg Bible, the Niépce Heliograph, and Frida Kahlo’s Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird.

Position requires at least 3 hour-long tours per month and ongoing independent study of exhibition related content from September 2025 through August 2026. As Ransom Center gallery tours are conducted seven days a week, weekend and weekday shifts are available. New docent volunteers must attend four 3-hour training sessions from August 20 through September 15.

-Plan, practice, and implement guided tours of Ransom Center exhibitions

-Interpret the exhibitions for visitors of all ages and backgrounds

-Explore the exhibitions to learn their content and context

-Engage with a range of 1–20 visitors in the gallery space

-Study docent materials including labels, articles, and recommended books

-Greet and orient visitors to the Ransom Center

Expectations

-Steadfast curiosity

-Commitment to independent study

-Attendance at mandatory training sessions

-Familiarity with the layout of the Ransom Center

-Awareness of exhibitions and upcoming programs

-Cooperation with staff and guards to ensure all visitors’ needs are met

Benefits

-Flexible time commitment

-Complimentary Ransom Center membership upon fulfillment of year-long volunteer commitment and commitment to another year of volunteering

-Unique access to the collections and programs

-Enthusiastic, inclusive volunteer community

Curious? Resourceful? Eager to dive deep into the humanities and share your knowledge with the public? Become a docent volunteer! We are looking for active learners, great listeners, and strong communicators who want to share the Ransom Center’s exhibitions with the world. If you have a positive attitude, earnest desire to learn, and are eager to engage with visitors of all ages, the volunteer docent position is for you. If you would like to be part of our team and celebrate the Ransom Center’s world-renowned collections, apply today! Must be age 18 or older.

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