Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens:
Volunteer & Support
Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens is looking for talented people to help support its mission. If you like working with others and sharing your knowledge, training to be a volunteer tour guide might be a good fit for you.
Support Historic Preservation
Support the work of Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens, Inc. in our historic preservation, land conservation, and sustainability.
Historic Preservation
We are committed to preserving and restoring Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens and educating people about the preservation of the historic structures and cultural landscapes that define our region. Our goal is to inspire people to act sustainably by preserving historic buildings and landscapes for future generations, to embrace inclusive and accurate narratives of our shared past, and to create stronger communities through preservation.
Land Conservation & Sustainability
In total, we own and manage 560 acres of land including the 26-acre manor grounds that were laid out by O. C. Simonds, one of the leaders of the natural landscaping movement of the early 20th century. The landscape is being rehabilitated to return the core grounds to the historic plat map, to care for historic native plantings, to plant new materials based on the intended designs of O.C. Simonds, and to align with our commitment to healthy ecosystems and sustainability.
The foundation also owns the 160-acre historic farm, 40 acres of wooded bluffs along the Kishwaukee River, 30 acres of restored prairie and wetlands that is enrolled in the USDA Conservation Reserve Program, 285 acres of floodplain forest, and an 18-acre archeological site that is a designated Land & Water Reserve.
Careers & Internships
We’re looking for passionate team members to join us. Whether interested in a full- or part-time position or an internship, we invite you to learn more about opportunities at Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens.
Internships
If you’re a student with a background in history, agriculture, landscape, or museum studies, one of our paid internships can surely be a benefit to both of us. Position descriptions and application instructions may be found below.
