Loveland Museum Center seeks volunteer help

Following a successful Fourth of July reopening, LMC needs volunteer docents to help with visitors

By Chuck Gibson

 LOVELAND, OH (July 9, 2020) – The Loveland Museum Center (LMC) was delighted to have 10 visitor’s during a successful reopening weekend July 4-5.

Director Jan Beller and members are hopeful they’ll be able to continue opening each weekend for museum visitors. They are following all CDC guidelines to ensure safe and healthy conditions for patrons and volunteers. That means LMC must have at least two docents each day. They currently do not have enough volunteers to fill the need for 16 or more spots. That’s why they’re seeking volunteers to help out. LMC will provide the training.

 “Our training consists of working with a seasoned volunteer,” said Beller.

Beller says the museum docents will not be expected to give guided tours. Docents are a kind of museum host with at least a working knowledge of the displays to answer questions from the visitors. Volunteers will hand out printed information to guests. It will have helpful information to guide them through their visit to the museum center.

 “This is a self-guided tour,” Beller said. “The docents are there to answer questions. That is even more appropriate now with the social distancing.”

Formal tours are will still be available by appointment. If a group were to call ahead, a formal tour can be scheduled. Mostly guests come in and wander around looking on their own.

“I actually give a formal tour,” explained Beller. “It is by appointment and it’s better to do it during the week.”

Loveland Museum Center is following all the CDC guidelines for social-distancing and group safety for any group tours or events.  All volunteers will be required to wear masks and will have their temperature taken to ensure they are healthy to work. For guests, masks are strongly recommended and LMC will have masks available for anyone who needs one.   

“Docents will be responsible to greet visitors and answer questions,” Beller said. “We really expect any of the people who are going to work are LMC members. That doesn’t mean we wouldn’t take new members, but we do expect them to be somewhat familiar with the museum.”

Summer Jazz night at Loveland Museum Center July 15, (Provided)

Next up at Loveland Museum Center:

 Summer Jazz on the lawn – Wednesday, July 15, @6:30 p.m. FREE to all

Click here for Summer Jazz Night story