The Davis Museum and Cultural Center's Docent Program is a unique volunteer organization founded in 1971 by Dorothy McCann Preston (Class of 1952) to support the educational offerings of the museum. The docents' primary objective is to communicate to the public ideas and information relating to original works of art. Comprised of both Wellesley College students and community volunteers, this group donates more than 7,000 hours annually.

Docents lead museum tours for all ages and for the visually impaired, present gallery talks on the permanent collection, and conduct outreach programs for schools and community organizations. During museum special events, the docents also provide helpful services such as greeting visitors and working at the museum information desk.

Docent education includes auditing Wellesley College art history courses, pursuing independent research projects, and attending weekly meetings. Working with the Education Department, docents meet every Wednesday afternoon to study the Davis Museum's permanent collection and special exhibitions, and to investigate issues related to museum education, learning theory, and the discipline of art history. In addition docents are encouraged to attend museum events and programs and to travel to other museums for learning and enjoyment.

This broad range of docent activities allows for different levels of involvement. Members may participate as an Active Docent, a Sustaining Docent or a Docent-in-Training.

As a growing organization, the Docent Program periodically undergoes a reevaluation so that it can best serve the needs of the Davis Museum and Cultural Center.