The Santa Monica Conservancy is now offering training sessions for volunteers interested in becoming docents at two historic, award-winning venues in Santa Monica: the Annenberg Community Beach House and the Preservation Resource Center. Docents will be trained by knowledgeable historians and will be asked to commit to three-hour shifts twice per month.
“Our city is fortunate to have preserved many historic places which are visited by residents and tourists alike,” said Docent Council chair Libby Pachares. “Docents get to meet interesting locals and visitors, learn about Santa Monica’s history and architecture, and share their knowledge of the wonderful places that make our city unique.”
The Annenberg Community Beach House was originally the home of Marion Davies: actress, philanthropist, hostess, and companion of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. The Santa Monica Conservancy, in partnership with the City of Santa Monica, has offered docent tours at the Guest House since 2009.
The Preservation Resource Center at the Shotgun House, built circa 1899, was saved from demolition in 2002 and endured a long journey before eventually being relocated to this permanent site. The Conservancy rehabilitated and transformed it into the Preservation Resource Center, where visitors can see how early Santa Monicans lived while accessing practical, user-friendly information about historic resources in Santa Monica as well as learning about the methods and benefits of preservation.
Volunteers will have to complete a few training sessions and be available for two shifts per month. For more information and to apply head to: smconservancy.kintera.org/docentapplication or email volunteer@smconservancy.org.
