New Docent Training

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 2026 Docent Training Class will learn one of Explore Buffalo’s public 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.

Applying to the 2026 Docent Training Program 

2026 Docent Training Information Session: Saturday, January  10 – 10am

Attendance at our information session is mandatory. The information sessions will discuss what it takes to be a docent and the application process. The info session will be held at the Explore Buffalo office in First Presbyterian Church at 1 Symphony Circle, Buffalo NY 14201, across from Kleinhans Music Hall. The info session will be about 90 minutes.

At the info session, you will have the opportunity for a short interview with the training team. Please sign up for the info session along with the class application here:

Info Session Signup  + 2026 Docent Class Application

Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2026. We will notify candidates shortly after that date.  Docent  classes will begin on January 31, 2026 and continue through April 11, 2026. Specific tour training may continue after that. Attendance at all classes, both in-person and on Zoom, is required.

Upon acceptance, a non-refundable class fee of $100 will be required from participants by Thursday, January 29, 2026. 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.

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.

What Happens Next?

If you are accepted into the docent training program and can attend the scheduled dates, we will pair you with a docent mentor to assist you in the training process.

Components of Docent Training 

The first component of training is The Fundamentals. Here you will learn about Buffalo’s history and architecture as well as techniques and skills needed to conduct tours. This will include seven in person classes downtown, where we will explore the best of Buffalo’s landmark buildings, and three classes on Zoom.
The Fundamentals: 
All Saturday dates are in person in downtown Buffalo – exact locations TBA.
  • Saturday, January 31, 9am-12:30pm
  • Saturday, February 7, 9am-12pm
  • Thursday, February 12, 6-8pm (Zoom)
  • Saturday, February 21, 9am-12pm
  • Thursday, February 26, 6-8pm (Zoom)
  • Saturday, March 7, 9am-12pm
  • Saturday, March 14, 9am-12pm
  • Thursday, March 19, 6-8pm (Zoom)
  • Saturday, March 28, 9am-12pm
  • Saturday, April 11, 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!

Additionally, you will be required to attend three Observational Training tours, with dates to be determined by your tour mentor. Here you will observe and practice the tour you will be learning.

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.

Following The Fundamentals is the Tour Certification. 

During the Tour Certification process, trainees will learn their first tour. You will be given a list of tours from which to choose one, and be matched with an experienced docent who will teach you the tour.

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 11th. The Graduation Tour is the full tour that you have learned in the class, and is scheduled with an experienced docent at a time of your choice.

After a successful graduation tour, you are expected to lead that tour at least twice a month during the 2026 tour season (May-October). After your first year as a docent, docents are encouraged to learn additional tours to lead in future years.

Questions? Please contact Brad Hahn at brad@explorebuffalo.org.