Riordan Mansion & Pioneer Museum Volunteer Training

Session One – Saturday, Feb. 9th 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Flagstaff’s First Twenty Years: Building Community on the Railroad Line
Many different people chose to move west, for many reasons. However, just because people lived in remote areas, did not mean they were isolated from the rest of the country. In Flagstaff, located on the transcontinental rail line, they had trains, the telegraph, and even newspapers. They brought their values and ideals with them and worked together to create a community. As the largest employers in Flagstaff, the Riordans assumed leadership roles and guided their fellow citizens toward building institutions of learning and science, encouraging community investment in technology and infrastructure, and developing a diverse economy.

Session Two – Saturday, Feb. 16th 8:30-10:30a.m.
Basics of Interpretation
Visitors come to museums seeking information, and entertainment. How can you best meet their needs? The term “interpretation” describes the process of connecting visitors to ideas and objects. Learn more about what interpretation is and how to do it. Topics to be covered include:
• What is Interpretation?
• Connecting the visitor to the objects
• Enriching visitor experience
• Benefits
• Program Development

Session Three – Saturday, Feb. 23rd 8:30-10:30a.m.
Giving a Guided Tour
Museums collect objects with the intent of preserving them, and teaching ideas. Interpretation is the art of connecting the visitors to the ideas by bringing meaning to the objects. Guided tours are an excellent interpretive tool. In this session, experienced tour guides will share their knowledge to help you create a great guided tour. Topics to be covered include:
• Taking care of visitor needs
• Listening to what your visitors are really asking
• Creating a tour theme
• Taking your tour beyond artifacts to ideas
• Tips for keeping your tour fresh.