The Passaic County DCHA is looking for docents! Do you want to share the story of our historic buildings with visitors from around New Jersey and the world? Our Docent Training Program will provide you with a comprehensive education and prepare you to lead tours at any historic site in the Department of Cultural and Historic Affairs’ collection.
Upcoming Sessions
The next session of our Docent Training Program will take place in January and February 2026.
The program consists of six days of in-person instruction:
- The first four days consist of half-day classroom sessions that include core training, mini-lectures, hands-on practice, floorwork, and peer feedback.
- The last two days are full-day sessions where participants will visit each historic site in DCHA’s portfolio, practicing interpretation at each site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a docent do?
A docent is a guide who takes visitors on tours at historic sites. But they’re more than a regular tour guide — they’re fully trained in the history of the site they show off, so they’re ready to ask any question that comes their way. They also get involved in other public interpretive work at the site, such as our Washington Encampment weekend at Dey Mansion or our Holiday Candlelit Evenings at the Wayne Museum.
What skills do I need to be a docent?
More than anything, you should love meeting and engaging with new people! Thousands of visitors from around the world come to our historic sites each year, and you’ll be the one guiding them through our rich and inspiring history. Whether exploring the American, Industrial, or Social Revolutions experienced here in Passaic County, or tracing how agricultural communities grew into vibrant urban centers, you will serve as a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow. Docents typically lead multiple tours a day, so being comfortable with public speaking and sharing stories with enthusiasm is key.
I’ve never been a docent before! Can I still do this program?
Absolutely. There is no prior experience necessary to apply and participate in the program. Everyone joining you will be eager to learn, and you’ll be led by experienced DCHA docents and staff members who will teach you about Passaic County’s incredible history.
Where will trained docents give tours?
Docents will be able to give tours at any of the historic sites in Passaic County managed by DCHA, including:
- Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquarters
- Lambert Castle
- Lambert Tower
- Passaic County Military Heritage Museum at the Schuyler-Colfax House
- The Wayne Museum
- John and Anna Vreeland House
- Vanderhoef-Westervelt House