Beaufort, SC – July 24, 2017 – Beaufort History Museum is offering docent classes to train volunteers who lead museum tours and serve as community liaisons.

Directed by docent educator Lorrie Burleyknoles (shown at left), the classes will teach participants how Beaufort shaped America from the early European settlements, its involvement in the Revolutionary War and dramatic role during the Civil War to the Reconstruction Era, the complex transition to the 20th Century, and its current-day prominence as a major tourist destination and site of military training and defense.

The training curriculum will cover all stages of Beaufort’s 500-year history as educators impart knowledge of the Museum’s collection, including artifacts and photos, and it’s mission. Once Docents have completed training, they will be asked to serve up to three shifts per month and commit to a one-year period of service.

Classes will be held at the Beaufort Branch Library at 311 Scott St. and at the historic Arsenal at 713 Craven Street. Space in the class is limited, and those interested in attending the five-week session are encouraged to register early. For more information on the Docent program, or other volunteer opportunities with the Museum, contact lburleyknoles@beauforthistorymuseum.com or call 559-362-3237.

The schedule will be as follows:

Thursday, Aug. 24: 8:30 a.m.  to noon at Beaufort Branch Library meeting room (orientation for new docents, followed by the first class.)

Thursday, Aug. 31: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Beaufort Branch Library meeting room (Class No. 2)

Friday, Sept. 8: 9:30 am to noon at the Arsenal conference room (Class No. 3)

Friday, Sept. 15: 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Arsenal conference room (Class No. 4)

Friday, Sept. 22: Noon to 2 p.m. at the Arsenal conference room (Class No. 5)

The Beaufort History Museum, located in The Arsenal, focuses on the history of the Beaufort District. It strives to manage and display artifacts and documents held by the City of Beaufort, telling the compelling stories of this area from the early 16th Century until modern times.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Docents are on duty to provide information and conduct tours. Admission is $7 per visitor ($6 for seniors). Children and active military are admitted free of charge.