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 – and made her a huge ambassador of Buffalo.
Cynthia’s role at the Martin House is far-reaching and, in many ways, has focused on connecting the success of the Martin House restoration project to the narrative surrounding Buffalo’s continued resurgence. She has also been involved in numerous initiatives to extend the Martin House impact within our own community, including the creation and launch of educational offerings. The school programs created through various initiatives have inspired students of all ages. Her extensive work on connecting the Martin House to community organizations also extends outside of schools and includes our popular yoga and wellness programming.
In addition, Cynthia helps foster engagement within the volunteer ranks. As a certified docent, she is involved in running the Pier to Pier program (named after the pier clusters in the house), which provides educational programming to Martin House docents and chaperones. She refers to the volunteers as “an incredibly talented pool of people.” Along those same lines, she serves as a mentoring docent, helping new docents understand how to provide the best tour experience to our guests. Given our consistent high praise from visitors, it’s working!
What does Cynthia enjoy most about giving so much of her time to the Martin House? “I can continue to use my skills in program planning while also interacting with fellow volunteers and guests. I’ve developed meaningful friendships with interesting people while continuing to learn and grow in my role.”
Thank you to Cynthia Silverstein for so many years of impactful service to the Martin House.
Interested in hearing about volunteer opportunities at the Martin House?
Participating museums across the country through the North American Reciprocal Museum program (NARM). Search participating museums.
Listing in the Martin House Annual Report
Access to exclusive travel opportunities curated by Museum Travel Alliance, a consortium of museums and cultural institutions whose members share a passion for cultural travel
Architect
$500 / Annually
Benefits for two (2) adults and any children (18 and under) in household including the following:
Six (6) Martin House tour passes to use or share
One (1) complimentary Martin House Family Membership to share
Free Martin House and self-guided tours
Free access to our special exhibitions
Exclusive members-only print newsletter twice a year
Discounts on Martin House Plus tours, specialty tours, education programs, and special events
10% discount in the Museum Store and Statler Cafe
Early access to Travel by Design and special event tickets
Special members-only event invitations throughout the year
Participating museums across the country through the North American Reciprocal Museum program (NARM). Search participating museums.
Listing in the Martin House Annual Report
Access to exclusive travel opportunities curated by Museum Travel Alliance, a consortium of museums and cultural institutions whose members share a passion for cultural travel
Drafter
$250 / Annually
Benefits for two (2) adults and any children (18 and under) in household including the following:
Four (4) Martin House tour passes to use or share
Free Martin House and self-guided tours
Free access to our special exhibitions
Exclusive members-only print newsletter twice a year
Discounts on Martin House Plus tours, specialty tours, education programs, and special events
10% discount in the Museum Store and Statler Cafe
Early access to Travel by Design and special event tickets
Special members-only event invitations throughout the year
Participating museums across the country through the North American Reciprocal Museum program (NARM). Search participating museums.
Listing in the Martin House Annual Report
Access to exclusive travel opportunities curated by Museum Travel Alliance, a consortium of museums and cultural institutions whose members share a passion for cultural travel
Apprentice
$115 / Annually – Best Value!
Benefits for two (2) adults and any children (18 and under) in household including the following:
Free Martin House and self-guided tours
Free access to our special exhibitions
Exclusive members-only print newsletter twice a year
Discounts on Martin House Plus tours, specialty tours, education programs, and special events
10% discount in the Museum Store and Statler Cafe
Early access to Travel by Design and special event tickets
Special members-only event invitations throughout the year
Participating museums across the country through the North American Reciprocal Museum program (NARM). Search participating museums.
Listing in the Martin House Annual Report
Access to exclusive travel opportunities curated by Museum Travel Alliance, a consortium of museums and cultural institutions whose members share a passion for cultural travel
Individual
$50 / Annually
Benefits for one (1) person, including the following:
Free Martin House and self-guided tours
Free access to our special exhibitions
Exclusive members-only print newsletter twice a year
Discounts on Martin House Plus tours, specialty tours, education programs, and special events
10% discount in the Museum Store and Statler Cafe
Early access to Travel by Design and special event tickets
Access to exclusive travel opportunities curated by Museum Travel Alliance, a consortium of museums and cultural institutions whose members share a passion for cultural travel
Senior Plus
$65 / Annually
Benefits for two (2) seniors (age 65+), including the following:
Free Martin House and self-guided tours
Free access to our special exhibitions
Exclusive members-only print newsletter twice a year
Discounts on Martin House Plus tours, specialty tours, education programs, and special events
10% discount in the Museum Store and Statler Cafe
Early access to Travel by Design and special event tickets
Access to exclusive travel opportunities curated by Museum Travel Alliance, a consortium of museums and cultural institutions whose members share a passion for cultural travel
Senior
$45 / Annually
Benefits for one (1) senior (age 65+), including the following:
Free Martin House and self-guided tours
Free access to our special exhibitions
Exclusive members-only print newsletter twice a year
Discounts on Martin House Plus tours, specialty tours, education programs, and special events
10% discount in the Museum Store and Statler Cafe
Early access to Travel by Design and special event tickets
Access to exclusive travel opportunities curated by Museum Travel Alliance, a consortium of museums and cultural institutions whose members share a passion for cultural travel
Student
$25 / Annually
Benefits for one student member, including the following:
Free Martin House and self-guided tours
Free access to our special exhibitions
Exclusive members-only print newsletter twice a year
Discounts on Martin House Plus tours, specialty tours, education programs, and special events
10% discount in the Museum Store and Statler Cafe
Early access to Travel by Design and special event tickets
Access to exclusive travel opportunities curated by Museum Travel Alliance, a consortium of museums and cultural institutions whose members share a passion for cultural travel
All Martin House memberships include
Free Martin House and self-guided tours
Free access to our special exhibitions
Exclusive members-only print newsletter twice a year
Discounts on Martin House Plus tours, specialty tours, education programs, and special events
10% discount in the Museum Store and Statler Cafe
Early access to Travel by Design and special event tickets
Access to exclusive travel opportunities curated by Museum Travel Alliance, a consortium of museums and cultural institutions whose members share a passion for cultural travel
Family
$75 / Annually
Benefits for two (2) adults and any children (18 and under) in household, including the following:
Free Martin House and self-guided tours
Free access to our special exhibitions
Exclusive members-only print newsletter twice a year
Discounts on Martin House Plus tours, specialty tours, education programs, and special events
10% discount in the Museum Store and Statler Cafe
Early access to Travel by Design and special event tickets
Access to exclusive travel opportunities curated by Museum Travel Alliance, a consortium of museums and cultural institutions whose members share a passion for cultural travel
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 – and made her a huge ambassador of Buffalo.
