What do the Junior Docents do?

• Learn historic skills to demonstrate at Historic Brattonsville, such as hoeing, weeding, planting, spinning, hearth cooking, woodworking, and sewing
• Provide educational activities for children and youth who visit Historic Brattonsville
• Show visitors what life was like for South Carolina children in the 1760s – 1780s & the 1840s
• Participate in selected programs at the Museum of York County

What are the requirements for the Junior Docent program?

• The desire and ability to work hard in an outdoor setting, learn historical knowledge and skills, and share information with the public in a professional manner
• The ability to work independently and follow rules and directions - this program is designed for youth to volunteer without direct parental supervision
• A time commitment of at least 3 hours per month, February through November, primarily on Saturdays
• Appropriate and approved historic clothing, to be acquired by May
• Attendance at an orientation and training session in February is required
• Payment of an annual program fee of $50 for members of the Culture & Heritage Museums (CHM), or $75 for non-members. Please see the following page for CHM membership information
• Must be in the 5th through 12th grade

What are the benefits of the Junior Docent Program?

• Get involved in the community through volunteering
• Gain fantastic experience for a history or museum career
• Build your confidence and skills in public speaking
• Impress your teachers, families and friends with your new historic skills and hands-on knowledge of history
• Discover what it’s like behind-the-scenes at a unique historic site
• Make new friends
• Have lots of fun!

How do I apply?

Space in the program is limited, so the application process is competitive. Students apply through a written application, letter of reference, and a group interview. For more information, please contact Lisa Swetnam, lswetnam@chmuseums.org

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Junior Docent families benefit from a CHM Family Membership in many ways:

• A discounted program fee for the Junior Docent Program
• Free admission to Historic Brattonsville, the Museum of York County, and McCelvey Center. You will not have to pay admission fees to visit your Junior Docent when they are volunteering for Living History Saturdays.
• A discount on admission to special events at Historic Brattonsville. You will save money when visiting your Junior Docent during special events such as the Battle of Huck’s Defeat or the Christmas Candlelight Tour.
• Special member rates for summer camps at Historic Brattonsville and the Museum of York County
• Subscription to LINKS newsletter and bimonthly calendar of CHM events
• 10% discount on purchases at Historic Brattonsville and Museum of York County gift shops
• Invitations to exhibit openings and special events
• Discount on tickets to select McCelvey Center Showcase Series performances
• Optional Smithsonian Affiliate Membership