UA’s Moundville Park Offers Docent Training Jan. 25

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park invites the community to its next docent training course Saturday, Jan. 25.

This open-ended volunteer opportunity offers those interested in the fields of history, archaeology and Native American studies a chance to learn how to conduct an interpretive tour in a modern museum atmosphere.

Park staff members will work with course participants on good communication and interpretive skills through a combination of presentations. In addition to learning how to interpret current knowledge about archaeology, Mississippian Indians and the Moundville site, trainees will get a personalized guided tour of the Jones Museum.

Special guest speakers include Bill Bomar, UA Museums’ interim director, and Betsy Irwin, Moundville’s education outreach coordinator.

The training begins at 10 a.m. at the park and ends at 4 p.m. Breakfast fare, snacks and lunch will be served accordingly. Time permitting, a hands-on make and take activity will also be included as part of the program. After completing the session, potential docents will shadow an experienced guide providing a tour, at a later date, before conducting a tour of their own.

Moundville Archaeological Park is located 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa, off of Alabama Highway 69.