This website was created to share the history of Spring Mountain Ranch with those having an interest in this segment of local history of Las Vegas, Nevada. This site and the information contained herein is in not in any way connected to nor endorsed by the Nevada State Parks System. The content remains solely my own. All attempts have been made to be as accurate as possible, but mistakes can occur. You are invited to read and learn, but all of the text and photos are copyrighted and may not be used without permission.
A docent is a person who serves as a guide and educator for the institutions they serve, usually on a voluntary basis. The English word itself is derived from the Latin word docēns, the present active participle of docēre (to teach, to lecture). They are trained to further the public's understanding of the cultural and historical collections of the institution. Docents generally undergo an intensive training process at the expense of the educational institution, which teaches them good communicative and interpretive skills, as well as introducing them to the institution's collections and its historical significance. They are also provided with reading lists to add to the basic information provided during training, and must then "shadow" experienced docents as they give their tours before ultimately conducting tours on their own. At Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, the docents undergo an eight week course spending four hours on consecutive Saturdays participating in didactic lectures and field trips. After successful completion of a final exam and the shadowing process, the docent is then expected to volunteer a minimum of four hours each month. Most contribute many more hours to this task.
As part of a Junior League project, a group calling themselves Red Rock Docents began donating their time and services in the late 1970s. An original Article of Incorporation was recorded by the State of Nevada on September 23, 1982. In 1984 the Docents acquired non-profit status. Though the numbers vary, at times there have been over 100 docents. Through fundraising, the docents have contributed carpeting and furniture for the house, assorted light fixtures and drapes, and made minor repairs and provided cleaning tools. The garage was remodeled and track lighting installed for use as a training area. A storage shed was built to house materials for these programs. Tables and chairs were purchased and existing chair seats were recovered. Docents provided materials and labor to restore the old outhouse. They also provided furnishings and accessories for the Historic Cabins and Blacksmith Shop, and cedar poles to duplicate old fencing.
One thing remains constant. The Spring Mountain Ranch Docents are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the area and work diligently to help the public understand and appreciate the historical, cultural, and natural history of Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.
A docent is a person who serves as a guide and educator for the institutions they serve, usually on a voluntary basis. The English word itself is derived from the Latin word docēns, the present active participle of docēre (to teach, to lecture). They are trained to further the public's understanding of the cultural and historical collections of the institution. Docents generally undergo an intensive training process at the expense of the educational institution, which teaches them good communicative and interpretive skills, as well as introducing them to the institution's collections and its historical significance. They are also provided with reading lists to add to the basic information provided during training, and must then "shadow" experienced docents as they give their tours before ultimately conducting tours on their own. At Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, the docents undergo an eight week course spending four hours on consecutive Saturdays participating in didactic lectures and field trips. After successful completion of a final exam and the shadowing process, the docent is then expected to volunteer a minimum of four hours each month. Most contribute many more hours to this task.
As part of a Junior League project, a group calling themselves Red Rock Docents began donating their time and services in the late 1970s. An original Article of Incorporation was recorded by the State of Nevada on September 23, 1982. In 1984 the Docents acquired non-profit status. Though the numbers vary, at times there have been over 100 docents. Through fundraising, the docents have contributed carpeting and furniture for the house, assorted light fixtures and drapes, and made minor repairs and provided cleaning tools. The garage was remodeled and track lighting installed for use as a training area. A storage shed was built to house materials for these programs. Tables and chairs were purchased and existing chair seats were recovered. Docents provided materials and labor to restore the old outhouse. They also provided furnishings and accessories for the Historic Cabins and Blacksmith Shop, and cedar poles to duplicate old fencing.
One thing remains constant. The Spring Mountain Ranch Docents are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the area and work diligently to help the public understand and appreciate the historical, cultural, and natural history of Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.