Each year, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Docent Council offers a training program for community members interested in becoming a docent.

For some 50 years, docents have guided visitors on free daily tours of the courthouse, which is a national, state and local historic landmark.

Docents also operate the information booth in the lobby, support educational programs for youth, and contribute to conservation of the almost century-old building.

“If you’d like to learn about the history and architecture of the courthouse while contributing to the community, making new friends, and sharing knowledge with visitors from all over the world, this may be an ideal opportunity for you,” the council said.

Led by Robert L. Ooley, FAIA, and Rodney Baker, the 10 weekly classes begin in the first quarter of 2026.

Ooley, formerly the county architect, also serves as president of the Courthouse Legacy Foundation (CLF) and oversees major conservation projects. Baker, a former Docent Council president and CLF board member, leads special conservation projects for the council.

The two offer vast knowledge about the courthouse and the architects, artisans and leaders who have contributed to the world-recognized building and to the city.

Learn more and submit an application to be a docent at https://sbcourthouse.org/. Those who apply early will receive an invitation to an informational event in November.