Farnsworth House

unique opportunity exists to participate in the volunteer docent program at the Farnsworth House in Plano. Landmarks Illinois is seeking tour guides for the upcoming season, April through November. You will be trained to relate the history and relevance of this international icon of modern architecture to visiting architects, designers, students and the general public. This is an opportunity to contribute your time at the level you’re comfortable with while enjoying intelligent conversations with fascinating people in a serene and meditative atmosphere. There are numerous other benefits as well, including discounts on books and gifts, access to exclusive art and architecture related conferences and free or discounted tours of other historic sites. Training begins in March!.

Volunteer Application

FAQs - Farnsworth House Volunteer Docent Program

The following are frequently asked questions. For additional information, please call
630-552-0052 or email frenchw@farnsworthhouse.org.

• What is a docent?

• What previous experience is required?

• What is involved in the training program?

• What is the Application Process?

• How much time do I need to commit to volunteering?

• What will my schedule be?

• Describe the tasks I will be asked to perform.

• Why do you solicit volunteers instead of hiring employees?

• Can I get college credit for volunteering?

FAQs - Farnsworth House Volunteer Docent Program

What is a docent?

Docents are volunteers who conduct tours and interpret the Farnsworth House and the influence of Mies van der Rohe on Modern Architecture.

What previous experience is required?

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, many with little or no previous formal education on the subject of architecture. We seek people who enjoy interacting with groups from around the world, sharing the experience of the Farnsworth House and engaging each visitor in a way that makes their visit here memorable and fulfilling..

What is involved in the training program?

Training consists 2 - 90 minute lecture sessions, some reading homework and a video presentation. New docents then accompany experienced docents on a variety of tours. The docent in training then conducts a staff tour, and when they feel ready, begins conducting tours on their own. The goal is for the docent to be able to read their audience and adjust their tour to meet the needs of each group. Docents should feel comfortable interpreting the Farnsworth House in a unique way, covering some required topics, but feeling free to express their unique perspective and engage conversationally with their group.

What is the Application Process?

Download an application or call to have one sent to you and either mail, fax or email the application to the contact on the form. You will be contacted by phone or email to schedule an interview. If your availability, personality and goals align with the needs of the volunteer docent program, we will work out a training plan to suit your schedule.

Volunteer Application

How much time do I need to commit to volunteering?

We ask that volunteers commit a minimum of four hours per month from April through November, a total of 24 hours. Donating additional time is always welcome and some off season hours are available as well. Other tasks outside of the docent program are available if a volunteer has the desire to donate additional time, including gift shop operations, research, event planning, landscape improvements, marketing, assisting at conferences and conducting public speaking engagements.

What will my schedule be?

We are open Tuesday through Sunday with tours every hour beginning at 10:00 and concluding at 3:00 most days, 5:00 on special occasions. Schedules can accommodate half days or full days dependent on your availability. We will try very hard to schedule you only when it is at your convenience.

Describe the tasks I will be asked to perform.

The standard tour begins at the gift shop where visitors are given a very short orientation by the on site manager. The docent then leads their group on the ¼ mile walk along the scenic river path to the first stop on the tour. There are five “stations” at which the docent stops their group and provides between 5 and 10 minutes of information, allowing for photographs. The docent is responsible for conducting the tour, enforcing the policies that protect the house and its museum status and returning their group to the visitors’ center. You will be asked to represent Landmarks Illinois, the non-profit organization responsible for the operations and maintenance of the house and its tour program as well as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the title holders of the property.

Why do you solicit volunteers instead of hiring employees?

Volunteers reap great benefit from their involvement with this program. The Farnsworth House is not only on the National Register of Historic Places, but has been awarded distinguished designation as a National Landmark. The house was purchased at auction for $7.5 million in private donations in 2003 and its maintenance and upkeep pose a continuing fund raising challenge. The not-for-profit organizations responsible for our fund raising activities believe that dedicated volunteers are the backbone of this effort, minimizing our operations costs and helping to raise donations through our tourism program.

Can I get college credit for volunteering?

We always welcome architecture, horticulture and design students and are happy to work with any university to meet the requirements of their programs, if possible. Check with your university advisors to acquire the necessary guidance and then talk to the tour program manager.