Sharlot Hall Museum

Needs Docents for 4th Grade Program

In an effort to expand its educational outreach, the Sharlot Hall Museum is looking for new docents for a hands-on history learning program that focuses on fourth graders.

The Museum’s Education Department hosts schoolchildren from all over the state, and as far away as California, who come to learn about Territorial Arizona. Museum Director John Langellier secured a grant which allowed the purchase of a variety of historic artifacts. The items are used in ways to enlighten and educate kids about life on the frontier. Docents are needed to guide the fourth graders through the tour.

Acquisition of the historic objects enabled Curator Mick Woodcock, Assistant Education Curator Gretchen Guice, and Museum volunteer, Lori Brandman (who is also a University of Arizona Education coordinator) to create a curriculum better suited to meet Arizona history requirements for fourth grade students. This new program utilizes a dynamic interactive approach. It features real people as historic characters and fun activities with artifacts that teach in a meaningful way.

Students will learn about Pauline Weaver, a hunter and trapper and Prescott’s first citizen, by handling primitive survival implements. They will understand the agony and glory of gold mining when they see the implements the early miners used. The military comes to life with equipment and uniforms. They’ll visit an early Prescott general store, choose and weigh items, ring up sales on a vintage register and handle cash. Through this program, children will use math skills and learn about Arizona’s economic development, discover secret details about Victorian society and ranching life on the frontier.

Volunteers can integrate into the program with minimal training. They are not required to have a teaching background, just a love of working with children. Docent classes begin September 16 in the Sharlot Hall Museum Center Gallery, 415 W. Gurley St. in Prescott, two blocks west of Courthouse Plaza. For more information please call Gretchen Guice at 445-3122, ext. 19 or email gretchen@sharlot.org .