Become a Volunteer @ A National Historic Property

Do you have a passion for history, or love gardening? Are you interested in learning about and sharing the stories of the families who lived at this historic site? Become volunteer, and engage visitors from around the world in exploring and experiencing more than 270 years of the history of our community. The Museum is seeking friendly, reliable and enthusiastic volunteers to become docents, shop keepers, assist with youth and educational programs, and help out during special events. We also offer the opportunity to become a part of Gertrude’s Gardeners, an all-volunteer group dedicated to maintaining the only extant American garden planned by England’s most venerated designer.

The Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden will be opening its door to the public for the 2018 season on May 2nd with new exhibits, additions to the collection and plans for adult and youth lectures and workshops, open houses, social and educational events and our major fundraiser An Evening of Festive Dinners with Friends on May 19th. We have been welcoming visitors to our unique historical and cultural landmark since 1925.

The Glebe House, c.1750, offers a glimpse of life in Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. The house is furnished to represent the life of the Marshall family who lived here from 1771-1786 and reflects Woodbury as a prosperous hub of agricultural and commercial activity. Later it became the home and place of work for silversmith Gideon Botsford who lived here for the next 67 years. The Gertrude Jekyll Garden, designed in 1926 to celebrate the opening of the Museum but not installed until 1990, surrounds the house with its Colonial Revival style beauty. Today the Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden operates as a non-profit, educational institution and is open for regular tours May through October. Group tours and programs for adults and children are offered year round.

Training is provided to all volunteers regardless of the area of service. You will learn the history of the house and garden including Miss Jekyll’s influence on garden design and how our garden came to be. Training will take place April 7th at 1:00 pm. Special arrangements will be made for anyone who cannot make that day. There will be training in specific techniques of giving a guided tour and working in the gift shop. Monthly meetings of the “Friends of the Glebe House” provide volunteers the chance to get acquainted with one another and share ideas for making their volunteer experience satisfying.

This is an opportunity to try something different, to share skills you may have, or to learn new ones. If you would like to be a part of the future of the museum by becoming a volunteer, please call the Museum Director for more information about our volunteer program and/or to register for April 7th at 203-263-2855.