Volunteer

Glessner House depends on volunteers to lead tours, serve as tour assistants, help care for the collection, and assist with a host of other activities. Please complete the form below or call 312-326-1480 to request more information.

Docents

Our next docent training class will take place over five consecutive Saturdays, March 15 to April 12, 2025. Each morning session begins at 9:30am and concludes at 12:30pm. Docents must commit to attending all five sessions and providing 24 hours of service per year. Docents lead public tours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, in addition to custom tours which are offered seven days a week.

Glessner House relies on volunteers to give tours of the house to thousands of visitors from all over the world. As a volunteer docent, your job is to lead an exploration of the rich topics the house has to offer. Whether your group is comprised of people from the neighborhood or visitors from around the globe, there is always the possibility of insightful dialogue and new discoveries—for the visitors and for you!

To prepare volunteers to give tours, Glessner House offers an individualized docent training program that covers architecture, decorative arts and social history. Complete the information below to indicate your interest today!

The Benefits

  • Continuing education programs through the Docent Council

  • Invitations and discounts to lectures, programs and special events

  • 10% off on merchandise in the Museum Store

  • Annual recognition party

  • The chance to make connections with people who are interested in the same things that you are!

Tour Assistants and Other Volunteer Opportunities

We also have volunteer opportunities for those with an interest in the museum and our work who may be too busy (or just a bit too shy) to make the docent commitment. This includes the opportunity to serve as a tour assistant. Assistants accompany the docent and tour group, opening and closing doors, keeping the group together, and providing assistance to guests as needed during the tour.

If you are interested in serving as a tour assistant or in other capacity, we would love to hear from you, too!

Want to become a Glessner House volunteer? Please complete the volunteer application form below.