Docent: do` cent, n. [Ger. from Latin docere, to teach]
 

The Mecklenburg Historical Association Docents 
Is a unique volunteer group within the history community of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Although not associated with any particular site, they provide support to local history sites through programming assistance, research, and consultation. The Docents also provide an annual training workshop and continuing education programs for volunteers and staff at local historic sites.

The purpose of the MHA includes the encouragement of historic research, publication, the safeguarding of historic documents and records, and the preservation of historic structures, sites, and objects in Mecklenburg County.

You will see MHA Docents working as volunteer interpreters at The Charlotte Museum of History, Latta Plantation, Historic Rosedale, Museum of the New South, James K. Polk Memorial and many other sites in the area.  You will also see Docents assisting with special events at other historic properties throughout Mecklenburg County.
  
  Read The Dandelion
"The Dandelion" is the MHA Docents newsletter and is published 5 times annually. 
 
The latest Dandelion >> September / October 2008*
*Adobe Acrobat viewer is required. Get it free here.
 
 Dandelion archives are available on our publications page.
 
For more information please email: MHADandelion@yahoo.com
  
Powerpoint presentation now available online!!
IMPORTANT:  Make sure you select to "SAVE" this file to your computer rather than opening it straight from the server.  The file is large (57MB)
Click to download >> Bringing History to Life
 
Click on a link below for more information, or simply scroll down this page
Mission Statement
To provide assistance to regional historic sites through training, research, programming and consulting services.

And furthermore…

To provide support and continuing education enabling the committee members to fulfill the stated mission and goals.
 
Current Projects and programs:
  • African-American Research in ante-bellum backcountry North Carolina, for use in interpretation at local historic sites.
  • Catawba Valley Decorative Arts Survey, cataloging regional decorative arts.
  • Skills Training in open-hearth cooking, 1st person-interpretation, historic research, spinning, weaving, herb craft, early dancing, stenciling, quill writing, early toys and games, etc.
  • Historic Mapping Project, collecting information on early Charlotte-Mecklenburg for maps to help interpret the history of our area.
  • Passport to History Project is a workbook designed to introduce grammar school age children to regional history and local historic sites.
Docent Training
This class is intended to provide a solid understanding of the history of the piedmont backcountry of North Carolina, in order to provide a comprehensive background for interpretation. In addition, instruction will be provided on docenting skills. Emphasis will be placed on adapting tours to different age groups and interests. Our goal is to instill knowledge, enthusiasm, and confidence in those special individuals interpreting history in our area, and will prepare them for specific training at many of the area’s historic sites.

Topics to be covered include: Native Americans, Geography, Early Settlement, Revolutionary War Era, Plantation Life, Slavery, Civil War, Reconstruction and Interpretation Techniques. 

 
 
How to Join
If you are looking for your place in history consider joining the MHA Docents:  No experience necessary!  Enthusiasm welcomed!

Visit a Docent General Meeting held every first Tuesday of the Month at 9:30 at:

Historic Rosedale Plantation
3427 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC

OR print, complete and mail in the application located here:
in html (web), pdf (adobe acrobat) or doc (Microsoft Word) formats

 
Funding
The Docent program is a committee of, and funded by, the Mecklenburg Historical Association.