The term was used first in Boston:  "In 1907, Benjamin Ives Gilman
introduced volunteer guides called "docents" to the Boston Museum of Fine
Arts, to be used for the "purposeful instruction of visitors."

(I snagged this quotation from
http://www.uccb.ns.ca/main/News/frontpage/artvolunteers.htm since I knew the
reference was the BMFA but I couldn't find it in my books and I am to lazy
;-) to dig further...)  I think it may go further back than that because I
have a vague memory of the first docent being the the person put in charge
of "purposeful instruction" at the museum a few years earlier.  I bet the
Education Department at Boston would be delighted to verify this.

Ellen Cutler
LNB Associates: Writing, Editing, Research Services
Aberdeen, MD  21001

 ----- Original Message -----
From: Laura Pursley <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2001 6:27 AM
Subject: why the term "docent"?


> Does anyone know why museums use the term "docent" to refer to volunteer
> tour guides?  I know the word originates from Latin for "to teach", but am
> looking for why/when museums started using the word and why it's still
used
> today.
>
> We are running a campaign called "What is a Docent?" to recruit new
> volunteers to the program this fall.  We're hoping to pitch a light
article
> to a local columnist about this odd word.  Any assitance would be
> appreciated.  Thanks!
>
> Laura Pursley
> Education Specialist for Adult & Docent Programs
> Harn Museum of Art
> PO Box 112700
> Gainesville, FL 32611
> 352-392-9826
>
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