"We have a docent who has been here for centuries (and that's not a gross
exaggeration..")

When, if, you can find a "well trained" (this means a guide that covers the
house correctly and gives the approved tour) I would find another job for
the
subject docent.  Use him/her as a fill-in when others are absent - this at
least cuts down on the time with visitors, use as a roaming "security"
person - "You have a way with our visitors so they won't mind the way you
correct them about....",have an update class - Curator Jones will bring us
up to date on the latest
way we want to explain to the public about the "main room" or the "clock" or
whatever."
Plenty of other jobs you can give him.

Or have the nerve to accompany the guide on a tour, take notes either
mentally or on a clipboard, and review the visit with him. Might be good to
review all of your staff on a
regular basis. (There is no doubt you will upset this person. Just try to do
it in the way that causes least pain to you and him.)

Is the reason you are keeping this person giving tours - besides he/she has
been doing it for years - that you don't have any other volunteers to take
their place?  I am getting to the point where I think our mission should
be along with "educate and preserve" to add "recruit volunteers."

We are trying a new idea this spring. As members of the local group of some
thirty historic sites, we are holding two or maybe three recruiting sessions
in the local libraries across the area. We keyed our local library first
(Hey, it was
my idea!) and then two in the larger towns.  We will hold this during the
day,
show a film of one of the sites, and then have tables manned by the other
sites who want to participate with brochures from all the members.  We
advertise that we will show you historic houses that need your help, we will
train you and most importantly, FIND you a position. A light snack follows.
Gets the local library and Seniors involved.

So we are after the newly retired, the elderly, interested people with time
on their hands, and even could appeal to people who want to gradually work
into the workplace or young folk who want to start adding to the resume.

All of us would appreciate ideas on how to recruit.

*****************************
C.F.William Maurer
Director, Gomez Mill House
11 Mill House Road
Marlboro, NY 12542
(845) 236-3126
[log in to unmask]
www.gomez.org

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