4TheVille Docent Training Program
4TheVille Docents
Our Docent Training Program is expanding St. Louis’ community of Black storytellers, Griots, and guides.
Docents train in storytelling, tour guiding, and interpretation to develop entertaining & engaging tours of St. Louis.
Sharing Stories / Reshaping Narratives / Building Community
How does the Docent Training Program program work?
Before giving tours, 4TheVille Apprentices…
Train
Storytelling & interpretation
Tour management & facilitation
Oral + written historical research
Activities and practice tours
Learn
Trips to museums
Readings from provided books
Research through archives and hearing the lived experiences of local storytellers
Collaborate
Work as a cohort and with community partners to plan, research, and outline a tour focused on Black stories and history
Apprentices’ interests and personal experiences help determine the tour’s theme
Connect
Attend workshops led by experienced storytellers and historians
Work across generations to hear and pass down stories
Receive mentorship from local professionals
Program Information
How Do I Apply?
Applications for the 2025 Docent Cohort are due by April 14th.
See the full application for details on the application process before applying.
Who Can be a Docent?
All applicants must be 17+ and not have already trained professionally as a tour guide or docent. Applicants must have deep knowledge of Black culture and experiences specific to St. Louis.
What hard skills does this training provide?
First Aid training
Conflict management
Customer service
Group facilitation
Oral history collection
Developing educational and interpretive activities
What is the Time Commitment?
Training: 24 weeks, approximately 126 hours
Giving Tours: Minimum of 4 public tours a year
Are Docents paid?
Yes!
Apprentices will be given a stipend for training.
Trained Docents receive $25/hour for tours.
Apply to be a Docent!
.
4TheVille is currently accepting applications for the 2025 cohort.
After submitting your application, you may be contacted for a brief interview and a 10-minute pre-program story.
See the full application for more details.