Make a Difference at Stan Hywet
Volunteers are at the heart of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Since 1957, dedicated volunteers have played an essential role in preserving the estate, welcoming guests and bringing programs and events to life.
Today, more than 700 volunteers contribute approximately 50,000 hours of service each year. With a variety of opportunities available, volunteers can share their time and talents in areas including gardening, museum interpretation, education, curatorial services, weddings, retail, administration and special events.
Adults and youth ages 13–17 can choose from full-time, part-time or special event opportunities that fit their interests and schedules. Corporate and school groups can also volunteer through special events and longer-term projects.
Find your place at Stan Hywet and become part of our volunteer community.
Benefits
- Expanding your interest in the arts, history and gardening
- 10% discount in the gift shop and café
- Recognition during National Volunteer Week
- Invitations to our annual volunteer award ceremony and appreciation events
- And much more
In addition to these volunteer experiences, you can also choose to join a volunteer committee or specialized group, each providing its own unique leadership, history, interests, and engagement at Stan Hywet.
Learn more about our volunteer program by calling the volunteer office at 330-315-3214 or emailing volunteer@stanhywet.org.
Volunteer Spotlight!
James “Jim” Urban began volunteering at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens around 1983. Jim came to Akron to work as a rubber chemist at B.F. Goodrich, providing a unique perspective to the interpretative significance of rubber manufacturing to the Seiberling legacy. He expresses a deep enthusiasm for educating and guiding guests visiting the historic estate.
Over the years, Jim has made himself a cornerstone of the volunteer community at Stan Hywet, volunteering in a number of roles. Throughout the video, Jim discusses his call to volunteering, his interest and passion for the history of Stan Hywet Hall and the Seiberling family, and several of the roles he has filled over the decades, including his character Chef James as part of History First Hand interpretation.
This oral history interview was completed in an effort to preserve institutional knowledge and to highlight the experiences of our long-standing volunteers.