Do you have a passion for music, history, and the power of art to inspire change? If so, we invite you to join us as a docent for the “Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh” exhibition! This extraordinary event will bring together individuals of all nationalities and religions to honor the universal message of hope, resilience, and unity through the shared language of music.
About Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh
Violins of Hope is a unique exhibition that showcases a collection of restored violins that survived the Holocaust. These remarkable instruments serve as poignant symbols of the human spirit’s triumph over adversity. The exhibition aims to educate, enlighten, and foster dialogue around the darkest chapters of history while celebrating the strength of the human soul.
Sandy Rosen, Chair; Pat Siger, Co-Chair; Lynn Zelenski, Project Manager
We Need You! Become a Docent
As a docent, you will play a vital role in guiding visitors through this moving exhibition. Your passion and dedication will help create an immersive and meaningful experience for all who attend. Whether you have a background in music, history, or simply a desire to learn and share, we welcome individuals of all nationalities and religions to join our team.
Why Volunteer with Us:
- Be part of an impactful and transformative exhibition that touches hearts and minds.
- Contribute to preserving and sharing the stories of the Holocaust and its survivors.
- Engage with diverse visitors, exchange ideas, and foster a sense of unity within our community.
- Gain valuable experience in education, public speaking, and historical interpretation.
- Gain valuable experience in education, public speaking, and historical interpretation.
TOTAL TRAINING TIME: 7 hours
- Sunday September 10, 2023 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Linda Hurwitz, former Exec Dir. Of the Holocaust Center will be leading the training focused on the relevant stories and timeline as they connect to the violins. Lunch will be provided and you will have an opportunity to select dates that are most convenient to you to serve as a docent in the exhibit. (Our hope is that each docent can take ~five, two and a half hour segments over the course of the two months that the exhibit will be open) - Tuesday September 12, 2023 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
We will meet at Rodef Shalom and walk over to the Posner Center to have a familiarization tour with the facility and to review the layout of the exhibit, highlighting stories that can be of particular interest to the audience. - Tuesday September 12, 2023 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
This will be an opportunity to clarify your understanding of the tour materials, share critical thought questions with your fellow docents, identify stories that are best for adult audiences vs. student audience
DOCENT HOURS: 12 and 1/2 hours
- In the Gallery: We are asking for a commitment of five 2.5 hour sessions
- Docents in Schools: It would be wonderful were we able to have five to ten docents agree to take one day each week to travel into the various schools. We will provide all necessary materials for the school program, including advance curriculum guides for teachers and advance worksheets for students
How to Get Involved:
Joining our team as a docent is easy! Simply visit our website and fill out the volunteer application form. We will provide comprehensive training and support to ensure you feel confident and empowered in your role as a docent.
Let us stand together, representing all nationalities and religions, to honor the resilience of the human spirit and spread the message of hope. By joining as docents for Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh, we can make a profound difference in our community and beyond.
If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at violinsofhopepittsburgh.org. Together, let’s create an unforgettable experience for all visitors, celebrating the power of music to heal and inspire.
Thank you for being the driving force in making this exhibition a resounding success!