- A group opportunity. Invite your friends.
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2 people are interested
Docents for House Walk!
ORGANIZATION: Pleasant Home Foundation
Please visit the new page to apply.
- A group opportunity. Invite your friends.
-
2 people are interested
Pleasant Home is hosting a tour of private homes, this year's theme being former coach houses! Visitors will see how modern residents have adapted former spaces intended for horses, carriages, and early autos into music studios, art museums, German beer gardens, residences, and more!
We are looking for volunteers to serve as tour docents, who will provide information on various rooms in each space. A 1page script will be provided in advance for each volunteer docent - no previous experience required, though familiarity with public speaking and comfort working with people is a plus. Volunteers will be assigned to one of 8 coach houses featured on the tour for a 10am-12:30pm shift or a 12:30-3pm shift. When you are not working, volunteers are encouraged to view other coach houses free of charge!! A Volunteer Appreciation Party will be held at Pleasant Home after the event.
All funds raised will be applied to the restoration of Pleasant Home's art glass windows. Please email Elissa at eledvort@pleasanthome.org if interested!! One meeting at Pleasant Home, scheduled at your convenience, is required before volunteering.
More opportunities with Pleasant Home Foundation
1 ReviewNo additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Pleasant Home Foundation
Location:
217 HOME AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, US
Mission Statement
The Pleasant Home Foundation is dedicated to restoring, preserving and operating Pleasant Home as a historic house museum while presenting a year-round schedule of tours, educational programs, community events and cultural performances.
Description
Pleasant Home is a national architectural treasure, designed in 1897 by prominent Prairie Style architect George Maher. The home is one of the earliest and most distinguished examples of Prairie School architecture and is the finest surviving example of Maher’s work. Maher wrote extensively about the need for a new American architecture, encouraging architects to develop indigenous styles based upon local conditions. His design philosophy, called "motif-rhythm theory," use elements from the site’s natural and community setting to inspire motifs that are incorporated throughout the entire structure, bringing unity and meaning to every detail.
Pleasant Home has a history of fascinating characters. Owner John Farson was a memorable figure in the community who wore red bow-ties and hosted extravagant Gatsbyish parties. Second owners, the Mills family, made their fortune manufacturing coin-operated amusement machines. In 1939, Pleasant Home was purchased by the Oak Park Park District and operated as a community center, until opening as a museum in 1990. Pleasant Home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996.
Pleasant Home was built for entertaining, and is still being used for its original purpose today. Much more than a museum, Pleasant Home is a vibrant cultural destination offering a year-round schedule of educational programs, community events, cultural performances, in addition to rentals. Countless stories fill these walls, and we welcome all to visit and experience the past.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
217 Home Ave.Oak ParkOak Park, IL 60302
DATE POSTED
September 3, 2017
SKILLS
- History
GOOD FOR
- Teens
- People 55+
- Group
REQUIREMENTS
- 10-12:30pm shift or 12:30-3pm shift