History's tour guides
Simi landmark is in need of more docents
By Angela Randazzo Special to the Simi Valley Acorn

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE- Ronald Reagan Presidential Library docent Angie Ruf, a Westlake Village resident, points out the illustration of a United States military aircraft carrier to a group of elementary school students during a tour Wednesday.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum has plenty of visitors.

What it needs are more docents to help educate those visitors.

"We have tours that we can't fulfill because we don't have enough trained people to do them," said Carol Cohea, visitor services supervisor.

Cohea and her colleagues are looking for enthusiastic people with an interest in history who would like to become docents.

"It isn't difficult if you love history and love people. This is the perfect melding of the two," Cohea said. "Becoming a docent here is like becoming part of the family. The docents bond and truly appreciate each other."

According to Geri Conlan, chairwoman of education and training for the center's volunteer association, the number of visitors to the Simi Valley library and museum has increased since the death of the facility's namesake.

TEACHER- Docent Marshall Nathanson calls children's attention to one of the Reagan Library displays.

"This has become, especially since President Reagan's death, a global destination," said Conlan, a trained docent. "People come here from all over the world. It's a wonderful opportunity for us as docents to interact with people of other nations."

The two-hour tours conducted by the docents cover the entire museum, including the recently opened Air Force One Pavilion.

Most of the current volunteers are retirees and senior citizens, but anyone age 16 and up is welcome to train.

"Young people have a tremendous benefit. They can pick up skills as far as public speaking, dealing with people and learning about history," Conlan said. "It's an opportunity to develop poise and people skills."

Senior docents use the social skills they've acquired throughout their lives, Conlan said.

"Seniors bring to the job their life skills and their ability to work with people, and it gives them a chance to share the Reagan story and that period of history," she said.

Jim Neilson, a retired special agent for the FBI, has been a docent for four years.

"It's very fun, it's very rewarding and very challenging," the Thousand Oaks resident said. "I love coming up here because you always meet someone different and hear different questions."

After an initial interview and acceptance into the program, volunteers go through orientation and step-by-step training.

"We're look for people who are interested in learning and sharing information, those people who have people skills and make a positive impression because we are constantly working with the public in all age groups," Conlan said.

Docentsintraining are required to tour the museum with a seasoned guide. Afterward, trainees conduct a tour for children and an adult tour, imparting information and answering questions.

"People have to have a willingness to study and do what is necessary to prepare them to conduct tours," Conlan said.

Volunteers commit to four hours once a week, in a morning or afternoon shift. The program requests a minimum of 100 hours a year, although many docents volunteer more time.

Jerrie O'Meara is a docent from Calabasas.

"It's fun meeting people. It's fun learning. I'm a student of history at this point in time," O'Meara said. "It's taking kids around, introducing them to history and President Reagan's term in office."

Not all docents give tours. Some are assigned to a station giving tourists general information and directions.

With good humor Conlan added that volunteers don't have to be Reagan Republicans to apply.

"We don't talk politics here. In fact, some of the docents are Democrats," Conlan said. "It's a chance for nice people to meet other nice people and work together."

Anyone interested in becoming a docent should call (805) 5774000 for information.