Welcome to the City of Oroville Museums Docent Program

About the City of Oroville Docent Association

The Oroville Docent Association plays a vital role in supporting the City of Oroville Museums. As an auxiliary to the City Council, it operates under the direct guidance of the Curator and the Public Works Director. Since 1984, our dedicated docent volunteers have been providing engaging educational experiences for audiences of all ages. Their efforts inspire curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation for Oroville’s rich cultural, historical, and ecological heritage. Join us in exploring the stories that make Oroville truly special!

Become a Docent at the City Museums

 As a docent, you'll play a crucial role in enhancing the public's experience at City Museums and throughout the community. Docents provide engaging tours, educational programs, and special events, all aimed at enriching our visitors' understanding of our heritage. Additionally, they help preserve our cultural legacy by caring for exhibits, archives, artifacts, historic sites, and landscapes.

To support the development of our museums and programs, docents also raise funds through various events and gift shop sales. Their dedication is invaluable, contributing thousands of hours of service each year. This commitment allows us to keep our cultural facilities open for both regular visitors and group tours.

As a volunteer, you can choose which museum to work at and focus on the areas that interest you most. Opportunities include:

• Assisting during public hours
• Leading group and school tours
• Working in gift shops
• Helping with collections and archival work
• Engaging in educational outreach
• Assisting with events and programming
• Participating in annual cleaning and gardening

Our goal is to help you find a fulfilling role that suits your interests and schedule. We invite docent volunteers to commit to just 8 hours a month, but this is flexible. We are more than happy to create a schedule that works for you.

Join us in making a difference and sharing the rich stories of our community!

The Benefits of Being a Volunteer

While our docents generously share their time, they also gain invaluable experiences in return. Being a docent offers you the chance to meet people from around the world, forging new friendships with both visitors and fellow volunteers. As one docent put it, “It gives me a real feeling of belonging to the community.”

To express our gratitude, the City of Oroville hosts an Appreciation Luncheon every winter, where docents are treated to a delightful meal and receive tokens of appreciation for their hard work. 

How to Become a Docent?

We are always in need of help to keep the doors of the city's 5 museums open to the public.  Applications are available at Oroville City Hall and at each of the five City of Oroville Museums. You can also email museums@cityoforoville.org or call (530) 538-2497.  It's that easy! 

Click here for a Fillable Docent Application.  Please email your completed application to museums@cityoforoville.org or drop off your application at Oroville City Hall. 

If you have any questions about becoming a Docent or filling out the application please email museums@cityoforoville.org or call (530)966-6745.

Want More Information on Where You'd be Volunteering? 

There are five separate locations comprising the City of Oroville Museums: Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum, C.F. Lott Home in Sank Park, the Chinese Temple Complex & Museum, Butte County Pioneer Memorial Museum and the Feather River Nature Center.

Each location has its own unique character and personality. While every docent needs to know a bit about each one, they are not expected to be experts on all of them and will likely find their niche in one or two of the locations.

1. Chinese Temple and Museum Complex: The Chinese Temple was acquired by the City of Oroville in 1937 and opened to the public in 1949. It is one of the most intact, complete gold-rush era temples in California. The modern Tapestry Hall and Cullie Room additions display a large collection of original and acquired artifacts. The Fong Lee building displays the Chan family’s herb & gold purchasing store and family home.
2. Pioneer History Museum: Built in 1932 and operated by the Native Daughters of the Golden West until 1999, the museum concentrates its collection on the pre 1900 settlement of California, with an emphasis on the Butte County area.
3. C.F. Lott Home: Donated to the city in 1962, this 1856 home tells the story of life in those times, and of the Lott family history. The surrounding city block, of gardens and walkways, is known as “Sank Park” and is used for weddings, receptions, and many other events.
4. Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum: Opened in May, 2006, this museum features tools of all kinds, the main portion from Bud Bolt’s collection. The development of industrial technology is brought to life with this amazing collection.
5. Feather River Nature Center: Created around the 1930's Bath house that was abandoned in 1937, the area was restored and developed in 1996. The Bath House hosts an art and museum gallery; while the grounds feature native plants and a picnic area.

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