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Beginning February 14th, Buffalo Tours will host its docent training program for those interested in sharing Buffalo Niagara’s architectural, environmental, cultural, and historical heritage. During ten Saturday sessions from 9:30am to 12:30pm, trainees will learn an overview of Buffalo’s architectural and waterfront history, increase their knowledge of our cultural heritage, and learn docenting and public speaking skills.

This year Buffalo Tours partners with Roycroft Campus Corporation, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, and Forest Lawn Cemetery to train volunteers who are passionate about leading tours in the Buffalo Niagara region. This year's Buffalo Tour is called Queen City Downtown. The Roycroft Campus tours provide visitors a glimpse into the 1900’s arts and crafts community located in East Aurora, NY and Forest Lawn tours bring the biographies of famous Buffalonians to life. Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper EcoTours give participants the opportunity to paddle around Strawberry Island and Cayuga Creek, hike the Niagara Gorge and Scajaquada Creek, and lead programs with Buffalo Audubon.

Each Saturday class includes a training session and related lecture or field trip around Western New York which is led by one of 70 experienced volunteer docents. On field trips, trainees deepen their understanding of local history and current events and the influence of world famous architects like Wright, Green, Wicks, Richardson, and Olmsted while exploring places like the Roycroft Campus, the Larkin Building on Exchange Street, Scajaquada Creek, the Darwin Martin House and Forest Lawn.

At the end of ten weeks, newly trained docents will have learned basic guide skills, increased their confidence in public speaking, and grasped the necessary information to give architectural and waterfront tours.

The first four joint classes run from February 14th to March 7th at different locations. Volunteers choose to continue training with individual organizations for the remaining sessions. A one time fee of $75 will cover the cost of docent training materials and meeting space. To register, please call 716-852-3300 or send an email to info@BuffaloTours.org before February 6th, 2009.