By Donna Gabanski, Class of 1994
On Saturday, January 21, the 2023 docent class began their training. After a welcome from Eleanor Gorski, the class settled in for Henry Binford’s lecture Chicago’s Geographic and Social History.
There are 51 trainees in the class, about evenly divided between men and women. About half are retired, semi-retired, or soon to be retired. Their professions are quite varied: accountants, lawyers, college instructors, a structural engineer, and an architect, to name just a few. Many work remotely. Several have experience as docents at the Art Institute, Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, or museums in other cities.
One change from past years is that after the 5-week Fundamentals of Chicago Architecture, the trainees will take one of two paths. Eighteen will learn the river cruise as their first tour. The others will continue to learn two walking tours. All will learn Historic Treasures, and then half will train for What’s New, the others Architecture of the Magnificent Mile.
The members of the 2023 class were chosen from among 150 applicants, over 100 of which were interviewed. They have some busy weeks ahead, but the team of sponsors, certifiers, readers, and coaches is ready to mentor and support them in their journey to become CAC docents.
As you visit the center for tours over the next three months, you will probably see trainees practicing or working in the library. Introduce yourself and welcome them.