A presence in the community

The Neill-Cochran House Museum, like other nonprofits, could not survive without dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy. The volunteer corps at the NCHM comprises men and women from the Greater Austin area and members of NSCDA-Texas. Volunteers serve the House by serving on NCHM committees, offering extra hands to the office staff, assisting with events, tending the garden, and participating as docents in both general and education-program tours,. All are members of the Friends of the Neill-Cochran House Museum and participate whole-heartedly in Friends events.

We can say with confidence that our docents are among the best we have seen in our travels to other museums. Each year, the Neill-Cochran House Museum hosts the Landmark Tea, an event that introduces the House to prospective docents and recognizes the efforts of the year’s outstanding volunteers. Participants interested in the program begin comprehensive training in architecture, 19th-century local history, decorative arts pertaining to the period, and the incredible people who passed through doors of the Neill-Cochran House during its 154 years. Docent classes are conducted by experts in architectural history and historical interior design and staff.

Recently, many house museums around the country have changed the name of their volunteers from “docents” to “interpretive guides,” “interpreters,” or “educators.” “Docent” comes to English from the Greek dozent through Latin, with its root doc meaning “teach.” This pedigree speaks to our architectural heritage, and docent, for us, is a fine fit.

This year, the Landmark Tea will be held on Wednesday, September 16th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. If you live in the Greater Austin area and have a calling to bring history to life for eager visitors of all ages and from around the world, please call 512.478.2335 or e-mail info@nchmuseum.org for more information.