Looking for a new and exciting way to volunteer? Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum is accepting applications for its new docent program training which starts Jan. 28, 2009. If you are a lifelong learner and would like to interact with the archaeologists, educators and historians who bring Southern Maryland’s past to life this docent program may be for you. This docent program will help us at JPPM share the joy of discovery with many, young and old in our local community.
The ten-week training course will cover many topics including: introduction to archaeology, archaeology in our local landscape, African American archaeology, War of 1812, Eastern Woodland Indian Village, Farm Exhibit building, Point Farm-estate home of the Pattersons and general orientation to the park and its facilities. After completing the training course, JPPM docents will further the educational mission of the park by offering regular, high-quality interpretive services for the public in support of our annual programs and workshops.
Benefits to becoming a docent are many – docents will receive our regular volunteer benefits including a ‘Friends of JPPM’ family membership, 10 percent discount at the Show Barn Museum Shop, Friends Newsletter and a discount on special event entry fees and workshops. The biggest benefit is the chance to work with some of Maryland’s top archaeologists and educators who are preserving our Southern Maryland heritage through the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum programs. JPPM is located in Calvert County, approximately seven miles north of Solomons Island.
The training course will be given on Wednesdays, starting Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The classes will be presented by professional archaeologists, historians and JPPM staff. Class size is limited and reservations are required. There is no fee for the course.
To register for this training or for more information please call (240) 298-6072 or email jcampbell@mdp.state.md.us. For more information about Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum please visit our website at www.jefpat.org.
Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, a state museum of archaeology and home of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory, is a program of the Maryland Historical Trust, a division of the Maryland Department of Planning. It is located on 560 scenic acres along the Patuxent River and St. Leonard Creek in St. Leonard, Calvert County, Maryland.
