The Santa Monica Conservancy is looking for additional docents to lead its historic walking tour of downtown.
This easy two hour stroll traverses more than 130 years of Santa Monica history, from its Wild West frontier beginnings to the sophisticated city of today.
Participants experience downtown’s diverse architectural heritage and learn about the civic leaders whose vision built the growing city and the feats of railroad men, ranchers, miners, builders, bankers, cowboys, outlaws, gamblers, saloon keepers, movie stars and muscle men.
The Downtown Walking Tour, which is now in its seventh year, has become popular not only with local residents and their visitors, but also with tourists coming to Santa Monica from around the world.
For the first time since the Downtown Walking Tour launched, the Conservancy is offering a docent training class for interested volunteers. Docent training will begin Saturday, Oct. 19, with an afternoon session that will include a review of Santa Monica history, introduction to the buildings on the tour, and tips for leading tours.
After the initial training, new recruits accompany experienced docents during the regular Saturday morning tours, gradually taking over responsibility for leading their own.
“We are looking for friendly, energetic volunteers who are enthusiastic about our city and its history,” said Kay Pattison, the Conservancy’s Downtown Tour coordinator. “People who will enjoy sharing the colorful stories about our past and our architectural legacy.”
Interested individuals are encouraged to take the tour, offered every Saturday at 10 am. To reserve space on the tour, ask questions, or sign up for docent training, email dwt@smconservancy.org or leave a message at 310.496.3146.
The Santa Monica Conservancy, a nonprofit founded in 2002, is the leading voice for preserving our historic places.
The Conservancy promotes understanding of the cultural, social, economic and environmental benefits of historic preservation through education, assistance and advocacy.
For information about activities, membership, and the Conservancy’s plan for a Preservation Resource Center, visit www.smconservancy.org.
