Skip to main content
Category

Volunteer

new set installed
RestorationVolunteer

New Windows Installed

If you've visited the Martin House, you have most likely learned that the conservatory has its own unique art glass pattern, with various adaptations to fit the size of different window and door openings. Much of the original art glass was lost when the building was demolished. In 2008, a…
Martin House
September 29, 2022
Kanchalee Deganis-Librera
Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight

Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, Kanchalee Deganis-Librera discovered the Martin House during her first visit to the city a few years ago. Her now husband and his family had planned an exploration of the historic Parkside neighborhood. “I still remember the disbelief that I felt when told that the…
Martin House
January 5, 2022
Kathy Pudlak
Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight

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…
Martin House
August 25, 2021
Volunteer Chris Estes
Volunteer

June Volunteer Spotlight

Chris Estes recalls walking by the Martin House as a young girl growing up in North Buffalo, describing the estate as a “scary place.” Now having served as a volunteer for 22 years, our June volunteer in the spotlight is proud to have been part of a mighty team of…
Martin House
June 18, 2021
Landscape Team Leaders
Volunteer

May Volunteer Spotlight

Walk around the landscape on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, and you will notice a small but mighty group of volunteers tending to the more than 27,000 square feet of planting beds. There are two individuals leading the charge, and this month we shine a light on their dedication. Susan…
Martin House
May 24, 2021
Volunteer

March Volunteer Spotlight

Shonnie Finnegan is University Archivist Emerita for the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB). For thirty years, from 1967-1997, she was instrumental in the development of the University Archives by collecting the earliest records of UB, as well as many of the important papers of former faculty, staff,…
Martin House
March 16, 2021
Volunteer

February Volunteer Spotlight

About 15 years ago (and lucky for us!), Mike Osika was searching for a new opportunity to become more involved in his community. He discovered the volunteer program at the Martin House and was immediately attracted by the chance to meet and talk with visitors from all over the world.…
Martin House
February 26, 2021
Volunteer Jeri Mazur
Volunteer

January Volunteer Spotlight

In 2006, Jeri Mazur and her husband attended a private party at the Barton House, which piqued her curiosity about the estate. Soon she was back for a tour to learn more, and this month’s volunteer in the spotlight was hooked. Docent training was just beginning, and she immediately enrolled.…
Martin House
January 21, 2021
Debbie Houck
Volunteer

December Volunteer Spotlight

Debbie Houck, our volunteer in the spotlight this month, hit a special milestone earlier this year: 20 years of service to the Martin House. Even after all this time, the estate still takes her breath away. A lifelong resident of North Buffalo, Debbie taught in the Buffalo Public Schools for…
Martin House
December 14, 2020
Nike Statue
Volunteer

November Volunteer Spotlight

It was the late 1990s when Gail Sfeir attended her first Martin House volunteer meeting. She knew at that time it was going to be a significant project for the City of Buffalo, and today she’s proud to report that she's been a part of the team throughout every phase…
Martin House
November 18, 2020
Sunburst Fireplace
Volunteer

October Volunteer Spotlight

Cynthia Silverstein began volunteering more than eleven years ago when she recognized that the Martin House was a “jewel shining in the city” and in her own neighborhood. College studies brought her to Western New York, but the city’s potential for historic renovation, tourism, and community engagement kept her here…
Martin House
October 20, 2020
Barton House Art Glass Windows
Volunteer

September Volunteer Spotlight

It wasn’t long after settling into her new Parkside home when Rebecca Morris-Chatta arrived at the Martin House and raised her hand to volunteer. She started as a Chaperone but soon trained to be a Docent, eventually landing in the role of Education Docent – a perfect fit for the…
Martin House
September 21, 2020