More than 7,000 visitors to Shelburne Farms last year learned about the history, buildings, programs and mission while on a guided property tour, and they heard the whole engaging story from one of the Farms' volunteer tours guides. 

The volunteer tour guides are a diverse group brought together by a love of history and the environment, the beauty of Vermont and Shelburne Farms, and their enthusiasm for learning new things, making new friends and talking to people. 

With the 2012 tour season scheduled to begin in early May, Tour Guide Program Coordinator Judy Brook is inviting people with an interest in becoming tour guides to join the series of classes that prepare them to lead the tours. Stimulating and informative classes for prospective guides are held every Thursday from March 1 through May 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Education Center in the Farm Barn. Tour guides give one two-hour tour per week during the season, and the group gathers for a program and potluck once a month.

To talk to Judy Brook about the tour guide program and the chance to be part of a historic and dynamic program, call her at 865-0557 or email jbrook@shelburnefarms.org.