Volunteer

Mary Anne Rokitka thinks she might have been born with a red pen in one hand and pruning shears in the other. The red pen comes in handy as a member of the editorial board of a scientific journal, and she finds great joy in pruning, deadheading, and even pulling…

In 1997, Buffalo hosted the Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy Conference, and Gary Kwiatkowski eagerly signed up to volunteer. The United States Air Force veteran had earned his AAS in Architecture Technology from Alfred State College where he was introduced to Frank Lloyd Wright. At the conference, Gary connected with people from the…

Diane Schrenk has been a Martin House volunteer for an incredible 27 years. Her passion for Frank Lloyd Wright was ignited during a visit to a Frank Lloyd Wright exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. She was struck by the soulful expression of beauty, architecture, and art…

In 2008, a few volunteers had a relatively simple yet remarkable idea. What if a jar was placed inside the Museum Store, and volunteers were invited to toss in any loose change as they passed by? A pickle jar was brought in, a sign was made, and in ten days…

To recognize and honor all of the volunteers who gave - and continue to give - so much of their time and talents to the Martin House would be nearly impossible. Collectively, these extraordinary people make it possible for us to welcome more than 40,000 visitors each year. Instead, this…

A small newspaper ad in 2006 is what led Peter Crane to the Martin House Volunteer Team. Peter had recently retired from DuPont with more than 30 years of service as an engineer when he spotted the ad seeking volunteers. He was searching for the right opportunity to fill some of his…

When you walk through the rooms of the Martin House, you might catch a glimpse of Carol Schiavitti, a member of the Interior Beautification Team — a committed group of volunteers who spend countless hours making sure our guests have a sparkling clean experience on their tours. “When I started, we…

Meet Thora VanHorn, who began giving her time and expertise to the Martin House Museum Store after retiring as the buyer for the Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital gift shop. She is proud to have been the first paid buyer in a hospital gift shop in Buffalo, paving the way for others…