Training and Requirements

TRAINING AND REQUIREMENTS

Dates and times for training:

Training will begin on Wednesday, September 1, 2010.

Training will continue every Wednesday thereafter until its completion on
December 1, 2010.

All classes will be held at the Lodge on the grounds of the Will Rogers Memorial
Museum from 10:00 am–3:00 pm. There will be a break at noon for lunch, and
plans for that will be discussed at our first meeting.


Requirements:

1. Join Friends of Will Rogers at least at the Senior Level of $25 annually.

2. Have Internet accessibility, cell phone, or other ways to connect.

3. Be available to work as docent at least twice per month. Each shift is
a five-hour period (10:00–3:00) with a lunch break.

4. Attend periodic meetings to learn about new exhibits, programs,
acquisitions, and other developments. These meetings will be held
during daytime hours.

5. Have the ability to stand and walk for at least 45 minutes at a time with
short rest breaks for next 45-minute stand-and-walk period.

6. Possess an eagerness to meet, greet, and chat with museum guests.

7. Read given materials and do independent research on aspects of the
collections, contents, and materials of the Memorial Museum and
Birthplace Ranch and on the life and legacy of Will Rogers.

8. Undergo a satisfactory background check.



DESCRIPTION OF A ROPER

Goals as a gallery host:

To greet and meet the visiting public to the Memorial. Orient the visitor to the galleries,
point out places of interest, answer general questions, and give directions.

To acquaint the visiting public with the exhibits, offer helpful information about
the exhibits and the life and legacy of Will Rogers, and act as a resource for questions
about the displays and Rogers.

To act as a guide to groups that visit the Memorial and help them to understand
the exhibits, learn about Will Rogers, and have a positive experience while visiting
the Memorial.

To keep current with research, reading, and updates about items in the Memorial.


Prospective Ropers should receive or achieve the following:

✪ Intensive training by the staff of the Will Rogers Memorial Museums

✪ Good communication and interpretive skills

✪ Introduction to the collection and its historical significance

✪ Reading lists and resources

✪ Opportunities to shadow experienced Ropers

✪ Supervision as the new Roper conducts a tour

✪ Continued training and seminars to remain up to date with exhibits
and programs

✪ Ability to record service time in an accurate and efficient manner


Ropers may also work in the following areas:

✪ Archives

✪ Horticulture

✪ Collections

✪ Garden

✪ Birthplace Ranch