Access Programs for the Elderly

This year, we expanded our programs for the elderly and those living with cognitive impairments. In partnership with Kendal's Whittier Unit and the DHMC Perspectives program, docents offered twice-monthly engaging and interactive gallery experiences for those living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, their families, and their care partners. When the museum closed in March, we continued weekly docent training with an eye to preparing docents to facilitate virtual Zoom tours for the elderly in a new tour series, titled The Armchair Series. Targeting the elderly cloistered in assisted living facilities, separated from families, these docent-facilitated experiences focused on using conversations about art (shared digitally) to re-engage these seniors with our collection, combat isolation, and build community. Between gallery and virtual programs, we offered 20 programs for the elderly and cognitively impaired.

Docent Trainings

From September through May, 13 volunteer docents participated in 26 weekly trainings.