After retiring in 2015 from teaching high school and middle school science, Kathy Pudlak – our volunteer in the spotlight – began to research volunteer opportunities in the Buffalo area. “I’ve always had an interest in history, architecture, and travel,” said Kathy. “Suddenly I had the free time to explore more opportunities to satisfy all of my interests.”
Lucky for us, the Martin House checks all of the boxes.
Kathy and her husband have always devoted time to travel. During trips to visit her daughter and family in Chicago over the years, they toured many Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the area, in addition to Wright sites in Wisconsin and Arizona. When Kathy met the docents, she always thought ‘I could do that.’ Now she’s doing it! Kathy trained to be a Martin House chaperone, but quickly signed up for docent training. And since you can’t take the classroom out of the teacher, she added education docent training to the list.
A reliable and engaging docent, Kathy often steps up to lead our scout programs – inspiring future architects, artists, and designers.
“It is so interesting to meet our international visitors, along with our local visitors, who admire the details of the house and landscape,” said Kathy. “I also enjoy working with our youngest visitors on school and scout programs.”
Overall, Kathy says it’s the people at the Martin House – from staff to volunteers – who have always been so welcoming and helpful. She is proud to represent the treasure we have here in Buffalo.
Thank you Kathy Pudlak for your commitment and enthusiasm during the past 5 years.
Connect with us if you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at the Martin House.