Each year, a dedicated group of volunteers steps into a unique role at the Freedom Center: helping visitors connect with the history of the Underground Railroad in meaningful ways. With a new class joining us this season, we’re taking a closer look at what it means to become a docent.
Our 2026 Inductees
Docent training takes place once or twice each year, making each induction of new volunteers a special occasion.
This year’s training included three in-person, discussion-based sessions where prospective volunteers explored historical content while practicing their visitor engagement skills. Because volunteers are often the first point of contact for guests, the program emphasizes creating a welcoming, supportive experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
Our Manager of Docents and Special Projects Novella Nimmo-Black has spent her time at the Freedom Center carefully honing this multi-pillared strategy. When we touched base with her to learn more about the impact of volunteering, she shared a powerful reminder: “Volunteering here at the Freedom Center as a docent gives you the chance to learn more about history’s past concerning enslavement. After completing training, the Underground Railroad then allows you in return to present those stories to our guests.”
Although volunteers are tasked with learning what may seem like a ton of critical skills and historical knowledge, Nimmo-Black reminds prospective applicants that classes are flexible and small-scale, tailored to a range of interests and schedules.
Did You Know?
Volunteers often engage with visitors who have traveled from across the country, as well as the world. Of the many highlights our docents tell regarding their experience, being able to share the history of the Underground Railroad to those who may be learning about it for the first time is significant.
Hear from our veteran docent Bill Haxton as he shares the highlights of his experience as a docent as well as a visitor.>>
In addition to this, being a volunteer comes with some museum perks. Our team is able to preview upcoming exhibits prior to opening days and can enjoy free or discounted access to programs and community events.
For those seeking a more immersive role, docents guide visitor experiences through conversation and interactive learning. Their training includes shadowing senior docents, some independent study and practice sessions. New docents learn one area of the museum at a time and progress at their own pace, with ongoing training to stay current in both historical content and facilitation techniques.
“Think of it more like attending your favorite weekend book club meeting or sitting down for an engaging discussion-based lecture,” says Manager of Marketing and Communications Abigail Kussow, who admits that she finds both of those events undoubtably fun. “Because our team of docents is relatively modest in size, the training sessions really allow for closer involvement in how skills and content knowledge are absorbed.”
Other Volunteer Opportunities for National Volunteer Month
With the start of April being the launch point for National Volunteer Month, the Freedom Center provides unparalleled opportunities to be of service to our local communities – even outside of being a museum docent. Special Event Volunteers support programs throughout the year with flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends with no formal training required.
Additionally, volunteers in the FamilySearch Center assist visitors specifically with genealogy research, making this a great fit for those comfortable with computers and interested in family history.
Read the WCPO web feature on our volunteer Sharon Cross and her story to uncover her family’s past here. >>
Whether serving as a docent or contributing in another role, volunteers play a vital part in helping the Freedom Center share history and connect it to the present and make our space even better.
Click here to learn more, and register for an upcoming volunteer training course. >>
