BECOME A DOCENT
Help Keep History Alive
Become a Docent at the Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop
Every community has places that preserve its memory. The Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop is one of those rare places.
Listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, the shop tells a story of skill, dignity, craftsmanship, family, and community. It honors the life and work of Samuel D. Outlaw, a Black master blacksmith whose labor helped shape Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Now we invite you to become part of that living story.
We are seeking volunteer Docents.
A docent is more than a tour guide.
A docent is a storyteller. A host. A learner. A keeper of community memory.
Whether greeting visitors, sharing the history of the Shop, answering questions, or simply creating a welcoming atmosphere, docents help transform a historic building into a living classroom.
No previous experience is required. We will provide training, historical background, and ongoing support.
Ideal Volunteers
We welcome adults of every age, high school and college students, retirees, teachers, veterans, history enthusiasts, civic organizations, church members, and families who wish to serve together.
If you enjoy meeting people and believe history matters, you can become an excellent docent.
What You'll Receive
Learn the remarkable history of Samuel D. Outlaw and Black craftsmanship on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
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Gain confidence in public speaking and historical interpretation.
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Help preserve an irreplaceable community landmark.
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Meet visitors from across Virginia and beyond.
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Join a dedicated team committed to education, preservation, and service.
Time Commitment
Volunteer schedules are flexible. Whether you can serve once a month, twice a month, or more frequently, your contribution makes a difference.
Why It Matters
Historic places cannot speak for themselves. They need voices.
When we preserve history, we preserve identity. When we preserve identity, we strengthen community. When we strengthen community, we leave our children something more valuable than buildings—we leave them truth.
The Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop is not merely about iron. It is about perseverance, craftsmanship, ingenuity, family, faith, and the enduring dignity of people whose stories deserve to be remembered.
We invite you to help carry that story forward.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DOCENT?
Please contact the Samuel D. Outlaw Blacksmith Shop Memorial Museum at (757) 656-3460 or visit our website www. Outlaw blacksmith shop. Org to learn more about upcoming docent training and volunteer opportunities.
No experience is necessary. We will teach you everything you need to know—bring only your curiosity, your reliability, and your love of community.
Help preserve the past. Inspire the future.
Ever Forward.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
