Our Docent Program gives University of Puget Sound students the unique opportunity to gain hands on experience in a natural history museum collection. Students from all areas of study can try their hands at collections management techniques, pursue specimen-based research, create museum exhibits, use museum specimens to make SciArt, and even learn taxidermy!
student docents volunteer in the museum each semester
of docents are non-STEM majors
volunteer hours were served by our docents during the 22'-23' academic year
"I love giving tours and answering questions people have about museums, it has yet to get old! By giving tours and talking to people, I hope more people will understand what goes on behind the scenes at museums and will hopefully help advocate for museums."
"Discussing the name change of the museum was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. Name changes don’t happen often, and I really liked how involved the docents were during that process."
"This semester I dedicated my time in the museum to making an exhibit on the Nintendo game Animal Crossing: New Horizons. I had so much fun bringing the exhibit to life. I never thought I would do something like this and I feel a lot of joy that I was able to bring it together."
Answers to our most asked questions about the docent program.
No! We welcome docents from every major or area of study.
Attend one of our docent interest meetings at the beginning of each school year or email us at pugetsoundmuseum@pugetsound.edu!
Although the docent program is 100% volunteer, we ask that docents volunteer 1 hour/week in the museum, attend our weekly docent meetings, and participate in Night at the Museum events. During your volunteer hours, you'll work on a designated collection project, learn specimen prep, or create your own independent museum project.
Yes! You can enroll in BIOL 205 - Natural History Museum Docent to receive course credit for your time as a docent.