Sept. 12 - Tour Guide Training
Thursday, September 12, 5:30-7:00pm – Oberlin Origins Tour Guide Training
Are you looking for a meaningful way to connect with the community? And would you like to share Oberlin's nationally-significant history with visitors and meet people from near and far?
If so, the Oberlin Heritage Center is looking for enthusiastic volunteers! On Thursday, September 12 from 5:30-7:00pm, OHC is offering a free training workshop for its Oberlin Origins tour, an indoor public tour of the Monroe House and Little Red Schoolhouse.
Prior tour or history knowledge is not required – just a passion to learn and engage with others!
The Oberlin Origins tour is an engaging 45-minute tour through the 1866 Monroe House and the 1836 Little Red Schoolhouse. This tour explores the history of these buildings while also sharing stories of the town and college from its founding and through the 1800s. Topics include Oberlin's beginnings as a Christian Perfectionist community and its philosophies on education, abolition, integration, and more.
Expectations:
- Prior to the training, potential volunteers are encouraged to arrange to take a free tour in advance to see what it’s all about.
- This training is a great introduction to Oberlin's history and is but one of several tours and history walks offered by the Oberlin Heritage Center. Many volunteers find that they are drawn to specific themes and may choose to branch off to give other tours.
- Participants in the training will receive a binder with information about OHC's buildings, policies, and tour tips. This binder belongs to the volunteer for as long as they wish to give tours at OHC.
- Tour guides in training will work with the Museum Education & Tour Manager until both parties are comfortable with the volunteer giving public tours. Trainees are welcome to shadow other tour guides and/or bring in friends and family to practice giving tours.
- Trained volunteers are asked to commit to leading at least four tours or history walks per year.
To register for training or reserve a free advance tour, call (440)774-1700 or e-mail Amanda Manahan, the Museum Education & Tour Manager. Registration ends on Wednesday, September 11 at 5pm.
