2026 Junior Docent Class
The Lanterman House Junior Docent Program provides students grades 7th - 9th with meaningful experience in museum education, public history, and community engagement. Junior Docents receive training in historical interpretation, visitor services, and professional communication while assisting with museum tours and special events.
Participants will develop transferable skills including public speaking, leadership, teamwork, and time management.
For the application we want to learn more about your interests, goals, and enthusiasm for volunteering. Prior museum experience is not required; motivation, reliability, and a willingness to grow are the qualities we value most.
REQUIREMENTS:
Junior Docent must live in the Crescenta Cañada Valley or attend a middle or high school in the 91011 zip code.
New Junior Docent Class must attend all of the meetings. The meetings (dates below) are mandatory.
First meeting will be Sunday March 8th, 2:30pm to 4:00pm at the Lanterman House Visitor Center.
Following meetings will be held on Sunday April 19th 2:30-4:00pm, and Sunday May 3rd 2:30-4:00pm We may be able to substitute a date in May if a Junior Docent can’t make one of the dates due to a pre-existing commitment.
APPLICATION AND RECOMMENDATION FORMS
The application form and recommendation form are due by Sunday, March 1rst at midnight. Please note that the forms cannot be saved and completed later.
Please ask an adult who is not a relative (such as a teacher, manager, mentor or family friend) to write a signed letter of recommendation. It is the candidate’s responsibility to make sure that the recommendation is submitted by March 1rst at midnight.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: What if I can’t attend all the program dates?
A: Please check the schedule carefully. The dates are scheduled far in advance and our staff arranges their schedule around them. If you have a conflict with one or two dates due to pre-arranged plans, then we will work to accomodate you.
Q: Will there be homework?
A: There will be a short project where each Junior Docent prepares and presents a short interpretive talk (2-4 minutes) about one object, room, or story from the Lanterman House. This becomes a real egment they can use for future events.
Q: What if I don’t finish the program or complete the work?
A: If the training is not completed, and do not meet the minimum requried hours (10) then we will remove you from the program.
Q: How many hours will the internship take?
A: We estimate the program will take about 10 hours to complete. We will provide a service log for you to fill out and sign off on all your hours.
Q: If I previously was a Junior Docent at the Lanterman House, may I apply again?
A: Yes! Our previous Junior Docents play an important role helping to mentor the next class.