The African American Museum Dallas is inviting high school students, college students, and adults from all backgrounds to serve as volunteer docents — running free at African American Museum Dallas from June 13 through November 1, 2026.
Becoming a docent for Mandela: The Official Exhibition means becoming the face of the museum — the person who brings one of history’s greatest stories to life for visitors of every age and background. It means carrying Nelson Mandela’s values of courage, dignity, and service into your own community, every time you step into the gallery.
Lead real tours, speak to diverse groups, and build confidence in front of audiences.
Learn to convey complex history in accessible, engaging ways for all ages.
Develop deep knowledge of African American history and Nelson Mandela's legacy.
Take on real responsibility as an ambassador for the museum and the exhibition.
Gain verified volunteer experience at an internationally recognized exhibition.
Engage with Mandela's values of courage, forgiveness, and service — and carry them into your own life.
| Role | Description | Ideal For |
| Gallery Guide | Lead visitors through all seven galleries, sharing the story of each space and answering questions. | Strong communicators; history enthusiasts |
| School Group Facilitator | Support student field trips by leading age-appropriate tours and facilitating reflective discussions. | Educators, students in education programs |
| Welcome Desk Host | Greet arriving visitors, provide orientation, and distribute maps and materials. | Friendly, organized; good with logistics |
| Gallery Monitor | Maintain a welcoming and secure environment within the galleries, assist visitors in need. | Observant; comfortable in a supervisory role |
| Operations Support | Help with library and gift shop operations, administrative tasks, and special events. | Versatile; interested in museum operations |
All docent volunteers are required to attend one two-hour in-person training session before the exhibition opens. Training is facilitated by Dr. Marvin Dulaney, historian, and Mr. Robert Edison, Retired Dallas ISD Educator. Sessions cover museum history and operations, tour techniques, visitor engagement strategies, exhibition content, and school group facilitation.
| Session | Date | Time | Format |
| Session A | Tuesday June 2, 2026 | 6:0 PM – 17:30 PM | In-Person |
| Session B | Wednesday June 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM | In-Person |
| Session C | Thursday June 4, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | In-Person |
| Session A | Friday June 5, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | In-Person |
| Session B | Saturday June 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | In-Person |
| Session C | Tuesday June 9, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | In-Person |
| Session A | Tuesday June 10, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | In-Person |
| Session A, B & C | Email info@aamdallas.org for dates | TBD | In-Person |
Include your full name | Your age | Your preferred training date
Email info@aamdallas.org with your full name, age, and preferred training session.
The museum will confirm your training date and provide any pre-training information.
Attend your two-hour in-person training session at AAM Dallas, 3536 Grand Avenue, Fair Park.
Receive your docent handbook and complete your gallery orientation with museum educators.
Begin serving as a docent when the exhibition opens on June 13, 2026.
No prior experience is required. All volunteers receive comprehensive training before the exhibition opens. We welcome enthusiastic people from all backgrounds.
We welcome high school students (typically 15+), college students, and adults of all ages. High school students should note this opportunity for community service hours.
Docents commit to regular scheduled shifts for the duration of the exhibition (June 13 – November 1, 2026). Shift lengths and frequency are coordinated with museum staff based on your availability.
This is a volunteer position. Docents do not receive monetary compensation, but gain valuable skills, experience, training, and the reward of serving the community.
Absolutely. Volunteer docent service at the African American Museum Dallas is a meaningful credential. The museum can provide a letter of verification upon request.
You will always work as part of a team alongside museum staff and fellow docents. You will never be expected to manage the gallery alone.
Email your name, age, and preferred training date
