This is a simple and justifiable request that you and/or others have made.  
For whatever reason, the docents feel compelled to continue this practice that  
they have been informed to discontinue. Why? Are they being defiant and if 
so,  for what reason?
 
Without knowing the underlying cause for this, it is difficult to offer  
advice. But if I may then assume that they were allowed to in the past and  
therefore are reluctant to change...this is going to require some behavior  
modification. Included in this should be the re-training you wish to do and  providing 
the docents with any documentation (technical leaflets, etc)  pertaining to 
collections care management that address the particular  issues requiring these 
areas to be restricted.
 
It is important not to single out just the 'offenders' so make sure that  all 
information provided is done so across the board. Seems like that is what  
you are seeking to do.
 
A creative solution to all this may be to also make visitors aware of these  
restricted areas (and why they are) as well. Perhaps a photo of the 
restoration  of the room 'in progress'...placed on the door outside of the room along  
with some interpretive information, would serve well.
 
I'm assuming that these may be original doors that you do not want to  alter, 
and that is why I'm suggesting a temporary interpretive sign. If you can,  
putting a peek window into the door could satisfy some curiosity. We have one of 
 these in our office so if we are in a meeting or otherwise occupied and  
can't be interrupted, at least visitors can have a little look inside.
 
If you aren't aware of the underlying cause for the docent's behavior, I  
encourage you to find out just what it is.  Is it simply a matter of  the 
docents' feeling that these areas are important and they want to  make sure to be 
able to share this with visitors? 
 
Seeking input - communicating with the docents about this matter is  
important. You could involve them in the process of finding alternatives to  opening 
these rooms up to the public. There is a reason they continue to do this  
despite being told and I could offer more advice if you are able to share more  
details.
 
Good Luck,
Pam
 
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 10/13/2005 6:20:23 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

Fire exit access  issues prevent locking. 
I’m looking for real  retraining input, please, from those who are seasoned, 
experienced, and  otherwise vetted in redirecting fantastic docents who adapt 
slowly to  change. 
Thank you  kindly. 
LSF 
-----Original  Message-----
From: Museum  discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf 
Of Jennifer Rogers
Sent: Thursday, October 13,  2005 4:23  PM
To:  [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: historic house museum docent  retraining 
 
Do you  have locks?
 

Jennifer C. Rogers, Collections  Assistant 
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and  Museum 
P.O. Box 2570  
Waco, TX 76702-2570  
(254) 750-8482  
[log in to unmask]   
-----Original  Message-----
From: Laurel  Forsythe [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, October 13,  2005 4:25  PM
To:  [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] historic house  museum docent retraining 
Can anyone give me suggestions  for retraining docents not to open doors to 
show areas of the house they  have been asked not to show to visitors? Examples 
are areas that are not  restored, where there are staff offices, or where 
there are collections that  are affected adversely by exposure to changes in 
light, etc.   
Thanks-- LSF 






Pamela Silvestri, Museum Assistant
Northeast States Civilian  Conservation Corps Museum
Shenipsit State Forest
166 Chestnut Hill  Road
Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076
Telephone: (860)  684-3430
e-mail: [log in to unmask]

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