Explore Buffalo is an organization driven by its volunteers, who lead our tours, organize our events, and do myriad other necessary tasks large and small.
Volunteering for Explore Buffalo is fun! It’s a rewarding experience for volunteers, and everyone enjoys working with one another to bring Buffalo’s stories to life.
Education Docent Training
Applications now open for our 2026 Class!
Education Docent Training will take place March 24 – April 23, 2026 on Tuesday & Thursday mornings. Education Docents lead our many Education Tours – you can choose from tours for students, families, and special needs groups, or give tours for all these groups. This is a rapidly growing program and an essential part of our organization’s mission to provide opportunities for learners of all ages.
Learn more about Education Docent Training
Tour Assistant Training:
The next Tour Assistant class will be in spring 2026.
Dates will be available by late March 2026.
Tour Assistants support Explore Buffalo’s tours by assisting with administrative tour tasks and group management. Our two-part Tour Assistant Training class provides an in-depth training on the responsibilities and procedures of a Tour Assistant.
Learn more about Tour Assistant Training
Public Tour Docent Training:
Applications to this 2026 Class are closed.
Explore Buffalo provides hundreds of tours each year, all of which are led by trained volunteer docents. No prior docent experience or knowledge of Buffalo history or architecture is required – we will provide a thorough training in Buffalo history, architectural styles, and presentation skills. The 2026 Public Tour Docent Training will begin January 31, taking place on 10 class dates – seven Saturdays in-person downtown, and three Thursday evenings on Zoom – concluding on April 11. New docents in this class will learn one of Explore Buffalo’s walking tours to lead during the 2026 tour season.