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October 2026 Schedule
The October 2026 schedule is now open to all interpretation volunteers in Volgistics, complete with private tours and special events. Please log in to your Volgistics account to schedule your shifts. If you have any changes or questions regarding the volunteer schedule, please continue to contact volunteers@hillwoodmuseum.org or 202.686.8528. Thank you!
You're Invited: October 5 Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Please note an online invitation was emailed via Paperless Post on September 10, and the deadline to RSVP is Monday, September 28. If you have any questions regarding the fall reception, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at volunteers@hillwoodmuseum.org. We look forward to seeing many of you at the reception!
Fall Garden Touring Season | Welcome Back Garden Docents!
We’re
very excited to have our garden docents back at the estate for the 2026 Fall
Garden Touring season, which runs from Tuesday, September 1–Sunday,
November 15. Garden
tours will be offered at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday,
with an additional 2:30 p.m. tour Friday through Sunday.
For more information, please visit the 2026 Garden Touring Season Information page of the volunteer website. We look forward to another wonderful season of garden tours!
The motor court in fall. Photo courtesy of Erik Kvalsvik.
2026: A Year of Internships
This
year, the collections and curatorial team was delighted to invite several
interns to work alongside staff and learn about the ins and outs of collection
management. In this article by Diana Brazil, exhibitions and collections
project manager, learn about Hillwood’s robust internship program and the
contributions made by our fabulous group of 2026 interns.
Jade Alauzet, French Heritage Society intern, and Gianna Schulp, project management intern.
Bloomberg Arts Internship Recap
For the past four years, Hillwood has participated in the Bloomberg Arts Internship and invited high school students to explore the museum and the variety of careers that are possible in the cultural sector. This year, three interns worked alongside staff to learn about the roles of different departments around the estate.
Take a peek at the projects our 2026 interns worked on in this article by Connor Beaty, people and culture manager.
Interns Clare, Rosa, and Nathan working on potting plants with our greenhouse grower, Jarett Currin.
Recap of Hillwood After Hours
A huge thank you to everyone who made Hillwood After Hours a success! Learn about this new late-night program and see photos from the evening in this article by Katie McCarthy, head of adult audiences.
The Uhuru Quilters Guild provided sewing demonstrations and information about their work with local quilters.
Neurodiversity Task Force at Hillwood
In 2026, Hillwood launched a new staff-led task force to create a more inclusive workplace for all team members, with a particular focus on neurodiverse individuals. Holly Scanlon, volunteer programs coordinator, is one of the many individuals across campus who worked together to help promote awareness and inclusivity. Keeping in line with Hillwood’s core value of inclusiveness, this article provides a brief recap of the learning and progress the task force has made throughout the year.
For more information, we have provided a glossary, also linked in the article, with key words and terminology related to neurodiversity.
Staff Update | Welcome Peyton Dauley
Visitor Survey Comments
Hillwood regularly surveys visitors to learn more about their experience around the estate. Time and time again, guests highlight the superb work that our volunteers put in to create the welcoming, gracious visitor experience that we’re known for. Read on to see some highlights from visitor surveys over the last few months.
Volunteers and staff as a whole got a shoutout in a recent survey:
- “Thank you to the staff and volunteers!”
Guests have been calling out docent-led tours for making their visits more meaningful:
“This was our second visit and we learn something new each time we come. The tours of the gardens and the home are very thorough and informative.”
"The docent-led tour was excellent! Very informative and just the right amount of time to absorb some of the amazing collections.”
Visitors love to spend time basking in the beauty of the gardens and greenhouse thanks to the dedication of our horticulture staff and volunteers:
- “I just love the gardens. My friend, who'd never
been before, couldn't get over how beautifully maintained they were."
- “The gardens were absolutely beautiful. So much was in bloom. The orchids in the greenhouse were fabulous.”
As always, we appreciate your ongoing commitment to our visitors and Hillwood’s mission – we can’t thank you enough for all you do to make Hillwood the wonderful place it is!
Upcoming Volunteer Education
Mark your calendars for these upcoming volunteer educational sessions:
Volunteer Summer Seasonal Display Tour
September 15, 16, & 18 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday), 10:15-10:45 a.m.
September brings a change of the seasons as summer
flowers fade and fall plants take the spotlight. Join a member of the horticulture team for an in-depth look at some of the interesting plants around
the gardens in this 30-minute plant ID walk. Tours will depart from the cold
frames near the greenhouse at 10:15 a.m. Group size is limited to 20 volunteers.
Please use the links below to sign up for a tour:
Staff Help and Resources
Thank you for being a part of the Hillwood community! Our doors are always open. Feel free to reach us at volunteers@hillwoodmuseum.org.
-The Volunteer Support Team
Erin Allen, Holly Scanlon, Matt Boyle, and Lisa Leyh
