OAK PARK’S PLEASANT HOME NEEDS DOCENTS AND GREETERS!
If you love historic architecture....and furnishings and lifestyles...and want to share such knowledge with others.....
And would love to do so in one of Oak Park’s grand vintage homes ....
Then the Pleasant Home Foundation wants you as a docent or greeter!
Our prairie-style home was completed in 1898 for Oak Park’s first millionaire, John Farson. It has a rich and fascinating history.
These volunteer positions offer flexible hours, and we provide the training. You would work as available during our regular hours and/or for special events at other times.
Currently we are open on Thursdays from 11am to 4pm, or by appointment, but we hope to be expanding those hours and days soon.
Docents would give any of three tours (two interior and one exterior), each of which lasts about an hour. You should enjoy interacting with the public and conveying the historic nature of the home.
Greeters would welcome guests, process admissions fees, answer basic questions, and provide a friendly face to all who visit.
Please reach out to lnewell@pleasanthome.org with questions!
1 Shift
11:00 AM to 04:00 PM
We are open each Thursday from 12pm-4pm for guided tours.
NONE OF THESE TIMES WORK FOR ME, BUT I CAN STILL HELP
No 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.
Arts & Culture
Community
WHEN
We'll work with your schedule.
This opportunity has 1 shift
WHERE
217 Home AvenueOak Park, IL60302
(41.8854,-87.80054)
DATE POSTED
April 6, 2021
SKILLS
People Skills
Public Speaking
Relationship Building
Storytelling
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
Must be at least 18
We ask that volunteers commit to one shift every two months.
