I want to ask you all a serious question; Why do you volunteer at Graycliff? I would like you to think about it and click on the comment section after this posting and send your response. We will all be able to view all the responses sent in so keep it clean and honest. I am told we have several hundred volunteers and we probably have just as many answers as to why we volunteer here, but lets find out. It would be great if everyone responded because that is what communication is all about and communication is what this blog is supposed to be about. However, if you wish to keep your response anonymous you may send it to me via email at gds2146@hotmail.com. That way I will have your response to pass on, but your identity will be protected, I promise. So lets hear it, Graycliffers;
Why do you volunteer at Graycliff?
I even get to go first. When I retired 16 months ago I needed something to fill my time. I saw a notice for docent training and thought that at least the training would be fun even if I decided not to lead tours. Then I got onto the grounds and felt more at peace and comfortable there than I had anywhere in a long time and I was hooked. Still am!
ReplyDeleteThe FLW architecture preservation is my passion. It started for me with FLW furniture and grew. The idea that a second FLW structure in the WNY could be torn down, heightened my passion with the founding members. Since then, many great people I have met.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I have a fascination with Wright designs - started in a class field trip from Binghamton to NYC with the my high school art club. We went to the Museum of Modern Art for the day. I was fascinated by this scale model of what I thought was a futuristic house. I remember studying it and trying to memorize all the great angles, features and ideas laid out. I thought it was some architect's unbuilt dream house of the future. As a I was walking around I found behind the model an antique car - could have been Nash or something similar - it was so anachronistic. That was my first exposure to a Wright house - a model of Fallingwater. Blew my mind that was actually built - and built almost 50 years BEFORE I saw the model. Since then, I've been to Fallingwater, the Guggenheim, Taliesin, Taliesin West, and "observed from a distance" many private Wright homes, in addition to the Buffalo Wright buildings and structures. Being a part of Graycliff is a privilege!
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's about giving back to my community using the skills that I've acquired over the years and Graycliff was the perfect place to "give back".
ReplyDeleteLaura Wiltse-Tibbetts
I’ve always had an interest in architecture in general and FLW designs in particular. Whenever we travel we gravitate toward tours focusing on architecture and history and have visited many FLW designed buildings. It was in the back of my mind that I would look into being a docent when I retired. My last year of teaching I decided to sign up for docent training at Graycliff….I gave my first tour the day after school ended. I truly enjoy meeting Graycliff visitors and sharing my knowledge and love of FLW architecture with them. An added bonus…the many Graycliff volunteers who I now consider good friends.
ReplyDeleteI had a desire to be a tour guide of a historical site. When I took the tour of Graycliff in October 2006, I was captured by its beauty and history and decided this was my historical site to be a guide of; moreover I live about 5 miles from it. I am now beginning my seventh season as a docent and never cease to enjoy Graycliff's beauty and presenting its history. In addition, I value highly the opportunity to meet and associate with many interesting people.
ReplyDeleteGerry Przybylski
Hi all - Here's why/how I became affiliated with The Graycliff Conservancy:
DeleteI purchased a home in Derby, NY in 2003 and got involved with Graycliff right away because I believe in volunteerism -- especially close to where you live. I also like FLLW's work, Buffalo History, the era of the 1920's-1940's, and public speaking. My first season at Graycliff I had missed the Docent Training, so I mostly assisted in the giftshop, helped with mailings, and with general "stuff," like tabling and even a little chaperoning of tours. Finally, the 2004 season came around and Anita gave me the training and mentorship I needed to become a Docent! As the seasons went by, it became more and more exciting to give tours, because at the end of each tour, I could tell visitors to be sure to be an "ambassador" and tell friends, in addition to returning themselves, because the tour will almost always contain something new/different, expecially season-to-season. When I sold my house and left Derby for Buffalo in 2009, I knew that I would never stop volunteering at Graycliff. The story and the restoration have become ingrained in me and I cannot imagine a better place to volunteer - heck, I get to act like I own that beautiful summer house every time I lead a group through - what more could I ask for!? :)