NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Friends of the Cabildo (FOC) announces its annual Walking Tour Guide Class for 2022 will start on March 7th, 2022. The Friends of the Cabildo Walking Tour Guide Training Program provides intensive and comprehensive training for tour guides. The classes are under the expert direction of Friends of the Cabildo Tour Guide Committee, Jane Molony, Robi Robichaux, Grey Perkins and Jackie Graff, who are assisted by a staff of volunteer FOC tour guides.
In addition to the academic component, trainees are provided training in presentation techniques, procedures for conducting tours, and other practical guidelines. An extensive reading list is also provided. Trainees must also complete a series of “tag alongs” with certified FOC guides to give them proper field experience.
Students are guided in the creation and practice of their own self-designed walking tours of the French Quarter. Students must pass a one-on-one tour with an evaluator, as well as a critiqued tour with a group under the observation of an evaluator. Students are prepared for a written examination conducted by the city of New Orleans as a prerequisite to obtaining a tour guide license.
Those who complete the program are required to make a commitment to the FOC to serve as a volunteer guide for a period of two years. Guides are generally on the schedule one or two times per month during this period.
The walking tour class is offered one time per year at the Cabildo. Please email to apply volunteers@friendsofthecabildo.org if you would like to receive alerts about upcoming class information as it becomes available. Acceptance into the program is contingent upon an interview process following application.
Friends of the Cabildo is a private non-profit volunteer group that provides financial and volunteer support for the Louisiana State Museum, its projects, and its property. Since incorporating in 1956, the Friends of the Cabildo has grown into a large statewide membership organization, a dynamic and motivating force in broadening and supporting the aims of the Louisiana State Museum.
