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May 2026 Schedule
The May 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.
A Special Message from Kate Markert, Executive Director
On March 24, Executive Director Kate Markert announced her upcoming retirement at the end of this year, capping 16 years of impactful leadership at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. Please see below for the announcement shared with staff and volunteers.
“After 16 years as executive director of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, I have decided to retire at the end of this year. It has been a great pleasure to lead this very special institution and to work with an extraordinarily collegial and supportive board, talented and committed staff and enthusiastic and gifted volunteers. Working together and enlarging on the accomplishments of my predecessor Fred Fisher, we have achieved many goals over this period, from capital projects that have made the campus better able to receive our ever-enlarging audience, to embracing the culture of belonging that characterizes Hillwood’s ethos. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to steward the legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post, her gardens and collections, and above all, to promote the programming we create to embody her values and the spirit of warm hospitality and welcome that characterizes Hillwood.
Thank you for your continued commitment to this wonderful place and I look forward to seeing you on campus throughout 2026!”
For more information, please see the official press release.
Kate Markert at Hillwood’s 2017 gala. Photo courtesy of Tony Powell.
New at Hillwood: 2025 Acquisitions
Welcoming Guests with Service Animals
As we enter our busy season, it’s a great time to review how we can provide a seamless and respectful experience for guests visiting with service animals. Please read on for some friendly reminders from Meredith DeSantis, head of visitor experience and accessibility.
Key Reminders
- They are working: Service animals are not pets; they are trained to perform specific
tasks. Distracting them by petting, talking to, or feeding them can interfere
with their ability to support their handler.
- Identification is not
required: Under the ADA, service animals are not
required to wear a vest, harness, or any special tags, and they do not need to
carry certification papers.
- Focus on the human: Always speak directly to the guest, not the animal.
- Let staff lead: To ensure a consistent experience, volunteers should not question handlers about their animals. If you have a concern about an animal’s behavior, please alert a Visitor Services or Security staff member. They are the only individuals authorized to ask the two permissible ADA questions: 1) Is the animal required because of a disability? and 2) What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
Because pets are only permitted on Sunday mornings for members, it’s best to assume that any dog you see on campus during regular hours is a service animal. There is no need to approach the guest or confirm the animal’s status. By treating each dog as a working animal, we help ensure our guests can enjoy their visit without interruption.
For a quick refresher and more detailed guidance, we encourage you to review this brief document, Welcoming Guests with Service Animals.
Our goal is to create a welcoming, barrier-free environment for everyone. Thank you for your commitment to making Hillwood accessible to all.
Volunteer News & Reminders
Spring has sprung at Hillwood! With our busy spring season upon us, we would like to share a few updates and friendly volunteer reminders:
Upcoming Volunteer Education
Mark your calendars for these upcoming volunteer educational sessions:
Children-Friendly Interactions at Hillwood
April 13 (Monday), 10 a.m.
Inspired by insights from our recent volunteer survey, Hillwood is excited to introduce a new training session, Children-Friendly Interactions at Hillwood, for volunteers. This repeat session will be held in the visitor center theater on Monday, April 13 at 10 a.m. As a repeat of the March 30 session, it’s a great opportunity for those who were unable to attend previously. The session will run approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
As we continue to welcome a growing number of families and youth visitors—including children visiting with parents, schools, and community groups—this training is designed to help volunteers and staff feel more confident and prepared when engaging with our youngest guests. Led by Audra Kelly, director of interpretation, and Rebecca Singer, head of youth audiences, the session will explore how children and families fit into Hillwood’s visitation experience, share practical tips for creating a welcoming environment, and provide guidance on managing challenging situations when intervention may be needed. The wonderful work our volunteers do to support today’s children plays an essential role in shaping tomorrow’s museum visitors, donors, and patrons, helping to ensure Hillwood’s vibrant future.
Light refreshments will be provided, and no RSVP is necessary. The session will also be recorded and shared with volunteers via the volunteer website and email.
Volunteer Woodland Path Tour
April 28, 29, 30, May 1 (Tuesday-Friday), 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Take a walk with Hugo Frost, garden section manager, along the Woodland Path and explore the bountiful collection of shade-loving plants. Group size is limited to 15 volunteers per tour. The tour will depart from the upper cold frames near the greenhouse. Please use the links below to sign up for a tour:
- April 28 Woodland Path Tour
- April 29 Woodland Path Tour
- April 30 Woodland Path Tour
- May 1 Woodland Path Tour
Volunteer Rose Garden Tour
May 19, 20, 21, 22 (Tuesday-Friday), 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Join Sarah Bass, garden section manager, on a tour of the rose garden as she highlights some of our new roses, and the diverse underplanting of perennials and annuals found in and around the rose garden. Group size limited to 15 volunteers per tour. The tour will depart from the upper cold frames at the end of the greenhouse. 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
