We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated opening of our new volunteer lounge on Tuesday, April 16 in the Butler’s House. Our team has worked tirelessly to create a comfortable and cozy oasis for our dedicated volunteers, and we are eager to share the new space with you.
The new volunteer lounge, located in the Butler’s House near the cutting garden, is easily accessible from various parts of campus, including the mansion, visitor center, Merriweather café, and more. It serves as a central hub for all volunteers to reconnect with one another, recharge during breaks, and access valuable resources.
How to Access
Each volunteer will be issued an access card that grants them access to the front and back entrances of the Butler’s House using the card readers located at the doors. Starting on Tuesday, April 16, please stop by the front desk in the visitor center during your scheduled shift to receive your access card. You will be instructed to sign an electronic form stating that you have received your access card. Furthermore, volunteers will receive their access card along with a new Hillwood branded lanyard, and the access card will easily fit behind your photo ID badge in your card holder. Please budget a few extra minutes when picking up your access card as the front desk will also be checking in visitors. The visitor center is open from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday.
Due to the large number of volunteers, the front desk in the visitor center will only have access cards for the volunteers scheduled for shifts each day.
What to Expect
Pulling from the volunteer feedback shared in the 2023 survey, the new volunteer lounge has been designed with your comfort and convenience in mind.
- Increased Size: With more space available in the 1,225 square feet section of the Butler’s House, you’ll have ample room to relax and socialize with fellow volunteers.
- Additional Seating: Enjoy additional seating with a lounge area and a large conference table for group discussions or sharing meals together.
- New Amenities: The renovated kitchen comes equipped with a microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, filtered water dispenser for both cold and hot water options, coffee marker, and coffee and tea station.
- New Digital Lockers: Large 18” lockers with easy-to-use digital keypads provide volunteers with a secure space to store their belongings. A coat closet and umbrella holder are also available.
- Restroom: A renovated single-use restroom is available.
- Garden Views: The Butler’s House is nestled in-between the cutting garden and ellipse lawn – every window offers a spectacular view of blooms for every season.
- Volunteer Resource Library: Access valuable resources to enhance your volunteer experience and continuing education.
Mansion Volunteer Coat Closet and Restroom
For volunteers stationed or touring in the mansion, please note that you are welcome to use the coat closet and restroom located in the hallway by the Security Control room. The coat closet also includes an umbrella holder. Signage has been added to the coat closet and restroom to aid navigation. In addition to the Butler’s House, your access cards will also grant you entry into the side door of the mansion, allowing for a speedier entrance into the building.
The mansion volunteer lounge will close on Monday, April 15. Planning is underway to transform the old lounge into a new gallery space for the public. This much-needed space will feature rotating displays highlighting different themes in the collection. We will keep volunteers informed of the construction schedule and the opening date for the new gallery.
We hope you make the most of the new volunteer lounge and take advantage of all it has to offer. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Hillwood.