The word docent, derived from the Latin word docere, means “to teach”—and teaching is precisely what docents do best. Docent tour guides are an essential resource at The Museum of Flight. They are trained volunteers who study and become experts in specific exhibits and aircraft around the museum. We ensure all our docents are passionate, approachable, and full of incredible knowledge!

Docents interact with visitors, answer questions, conduct aviation and space-related talks, give amazing tours, and may be given the opportunity to present school programs.

Through the Museum of Flight Docent Program, volunteers like you can become fully trained docents.

Docent shift availability depends upon the Museum's current needs.



Training & Requirements

Docent training classes will cover in-depth study of exhibits, learning presentations, and teaching skills and will include field trips to applicable sites over 12 weeks. To graduate, you must pass a 50-question test, be able to perform a 30-minute tour, and you cannot miss more than two classes.


Docent Requirements:

  • You must have excellent communication skills.
  • You must have teaching or public speaking experience.
  • You must be passionate about working with diverse groups of children, adults, staff, and volunteers.
  • You must have the ability to accept supervision and evaluation of your volunteer work.
  • You must be 21 years of age or older.



Availability & Price

The 2023 Docent Training Class application process has closed. For those interested in becoming a Docent, we recommend volunteering in another position to become more familiar with the Museum and our program while you wait for the 2024 Docent Class. The twelve week Docent Training course starts the first Saturday of March, and classes are weekly on Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

  • Material Fee $25

Getting Involved

The process for becoming a docent includes a group interview with the Volunteer Program Manager, Docent Program Supervisor, and a member of the Docent Training Committee.

To apply, email Docents@museumofflight.org.