We recently kicked off an exhibit design project at the William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park in Red Bluff, CA. This is a very special little historic park for many reasons, but one of the most interesting things to me was their unique and thriving docent program.

The way it is structured, local high school students come and receive 40 hours of training in first person, period interpretation. They wear costumes, learn 19th century skills, and even learn 19th century words and expressions. Then these high school students actually train 4th grade students in all of the skills they have learned. The 4th graders wear period clothing as well (over their clothes) and do everything from making candles to sawing wood. This program is so popular locally that there is actually a waiting list to be in the 4th grade program!

This struck me as such an imaginative way to instill sense of ownership amongst town residents and inspire a love of history in young people. It has been around for so long that there are parents who participated in the program who now have children that are participating. The school program is also a great way to recruit volunteers. Though not all of the kids become long-term docents after the semester has ended, many of the high school students do return to volunteer for special events.

What are some unique ways in which your interpretive site or business has generated community involvement?