Surratt House Docents

[L Verge]

Thomas - first you are going to have to get a longer comb-over...

Next, save your Lincoln pennies because appropriate garb does not come cheaply, and our guidelines are very explicit as to what is correct and what is not.

There is at least a three-month training session on the history of the Surratts, the assassination, the antique furnishings, etc. before you attempt to solo. And, you will be evaluated by more than one person to see if you are ready to stand on your own. You may have a good background in this subject, but I dare say you still have a lot to learn. We will also teach you the proper way to conduct a tour and appropriate behavior on tours. Personality and professionalism is 75% of the tour. You are not "the star," you are "the educator" when conducting a tour at Surratt House - and you need to understand how to meet the wishes of your visitors, condense the information into a 50-minute format, and leave the folks wanting to learn more.

If you still plan on going out-of-state for college this fall, forget being a guide here. We expect and require a commitment of at least one, full, four-hour shift per month (love those who do more) and hopefully for a minimum of three years. It is not a job where you show up when there is nothing else better to do for the day. Your college plans hold up a big STOP sign right away.