Become a Volunteer at the Parthenon
The Parthenon offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for those who like history, art, research, or talking to people. There are two types of volunteers at the Parthenon: a traditional volunteer and a Docent. Both types of volunteers are expected to go through a training program. Below is a detailed description of our programs.
Volunteer Program
The Volunteer track involves a short training period in broad general knowledge about the building, the staff, and the programs. A parthenon staff member acts as liaison and the volunteer is then scheduled for work he/she chooses according to the museum's needs and the volunteers's preferences. The types of jobs available include:
- assistant clerk in the gift shop
- research asssistant in libraries or on the computer for the curatorial or educational staff
- host at the Parthenon's special events (such as Symposia, wine tastings, art show openings, concerts)
- office work (such as stuffing envelopes, sticking labels, and making phone calls)
Docent Program
The Docent track involves a longer training period in greater depth, although the first weeks of training are held jointly with the Volunteers. Docents will: hear speakers from area universitites as well as the museum staff; observe guided tours; practice speaking before their class; see a variety of videos and slide shows; and receive training in dealing with special populations.
Areas of study include Greek history, art history, the Tennessee Centennial, history of the Nashville Parthenon, the making of Athena, American art history, the Parthenon's Cowan Collection, and general Greco-Roman mythology.
Docents receive a handbook that explains the museum's organizational structure and mission. This handbook also includes sample tours, a Cowan Collection catalogue, course hand-outs, and a place for lecture notes. Trainees will be expected to do a modest amount of homework during the course and after graduation will be expected to give 8 hours per month as a tour guide.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is offered to all docents and volunteers and social activities occur throughout the year. The Volunteer and Docent Program is funded by the Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial Park, a non-profit support and membership organization for the Parthenon. Docents and volunteers are expected to join the Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial Park.
For more information on becoming a Parthenon volunteer or docent, please contact us.