Who We Are
Explore Buffalo, established in 2013, is the premier tour organization showcasing the unique history and architecture of Western New York with a variety of tours by foot, bike, boat, and bus. Our knowledgeable and engaging volunteer tour docents offer their personal passions, expertise, and background to make a meaningful tour experience for our guests. Docents are carefully selected and trained to serve as the face of Explore Buffalo and serve as ambassadors to our great city.
Explore Buffalo docents come from all walks of life, and share a few common traits. We are curious and creative lifelong learners who are passionate about architecture and history in Buffalo and enjoy interacting with people from all over the world.
About Explore Buffalo’s Docent Training Program
Our docent training is a rigorous experience. The program aims to give new docents a broad understanding of architecture and history as well as the confidence and skills necessary to lead tours. All new docents in the 2025 Docent Training Class will learn one of Explore Buffalo’s downtown walking tours. Once your docent training is complete, you’ll join the ranks of Explore Buffalo docents who happily share their knowledge and passion for Buffalo, its world-class architecture, and the urban environment.
2025 Docent Training Class Schedule
- Saturday, February 1, 9am-12:30pm
- Saturday, February 8, 9am-12pm
- Thursday, February 13, 6-8pm (Zoom)
- Saturday, February 22, 9am-12pm
- Thursday, February 27, 6-8pm (Zoom)
- Saturday, March 8, 9am-12pm
- Saturday, March 15, 9am-12pm
- Thursday, March 20, 6-8pm (Zoom)
- Saturday, March 29, 9am-12pm
- Saturday, April 5, 9am-12pm
Attendance at all classes, both in-person and on Zoom, is required. In the event of severe weather, we may switch an in-person class date to Zoom. This only applies to severe weather – Explore Buffalo’s tours proceed in hot or cold weather, rain (or snow) or shine!
In addition to the class dates listed above, Explore Buffalo’s Docent Training Class requires time between each class to prepare presentations and complete required readings. Generally, plan on about two hours per week outside of class to be prepared for the next class.
To complete the Docent Training Class and begin leading tours, all new docents are required to complete a Graduation Tour after the final class date on April 5th. The Graduation Tour is the full tour that you have learned in the class, and is scheduled with a Master Docent at a time of your choice. You are encouraged to invite friends and family to attend.
After a successful graduation tour, you are expected to lead that tour at least twice a month during the 2025 tour season (May-October). After your first year as a docent, docents are encouraged to learn additional tours to lead in future years.
Who Qualifies to be an Explore Buffalo Docent?
We accept adults of all backgrounds. You must have a flexible enough schedule to attend all training sessions. We do not accept people who work for or plan to work for a tour company. Applicants must be proficient with technology including Zoom, email, and texts.
Applying to the 2025 Docent Training Program
There are three requirements to apply to the 2025 Docent Training Program: 1) Complete the Class Application; 2) Attend an Information Session; and 3) Complete a Phone Interview.
The application to this docent class has closed.
Application Deadline: Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Information Sessions:
We will hold Information Sessions that will discuss what it takes to be a docent and the application process. Attendance at one of these Information Sessions is mandatory. Both Information Sessions will be at First Presbyterian Church at 1 Symphony Circle and will be about 90 minutes. Please select your Information Session date in the Class Application (above).
2025 Information Session Dates:
- Thursday, January 9 – 6pm
- Saturday, January 11 – 10am
Phone Interviews:
We will contact you in January to schedule a short phone interview with a member of Docent Training Committee. The phone interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you better, and for you to ask questions about the Docent Training Class. Generally, these are about 10-15 minutes.
We will notify successful applicants by January 25, 2025. Upon acceptance, a non-refundable class fee of $100 will be required from participants by Thursday, January 30, 2025 . This class fee covers the cost of materials for the class, and includes a portable microphone, Explore Buffalo messenger bag, and other tour supplies. Upon successful completion of Docent Training, new Explore Buffalo docents receive an Explorer Pass membership. Scholarships are available for the Docent Training Class – please contact Brad Hahn at brad@explorebuffalo.org for more information.
Questions? Please contact Brad Hahn at brad@explorebuffalo.org.