welcome new volunteers!

Here you’ll find all the documents, dates, and information you need to get started. We encourage you to read the first group of resources; we will cover what’s in the Volunteer Handbook together at our first meeting.

Following your online readings, Villa Docent Training is compiled of 3 phases. Session 1 involves going through the Handbook and an initial tour of the Villa and Garden. Session 2 includes an in depth tour of the Villa with the Director. Session 3 includes shadowing. As part of training, docents are required to shadow with staff and another docent at least once before their first open day.

You can reach me at fabyanvilla@ppfv.org.

Session 1: Tour & Training

Saturday, March 8th from 1pm-3pm

Villa & Garden Volunteers

Session 2A: In Depth Tour & Procedures

Sunday, April 13th from 1pm-3pm

Villa Docents Only

Session 2B: Garden Tour

Sunday, April 13th from 3pm-4pm

Garden Docents, Optional for Villa Docents

Session 3: Shadowing

Any Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday

Villa Docents Only

Docent Refresher, Optional: 

Sunday April 6th 12pm-3pm

Snacks, procedural updates, and a presentation to gear volunteers up for the season.

Training Materials: Please read or skim the following before Session 1

1. Self-Guided Tour

2. Self-Guided Tour, another!

3. Villa Tour Basics for Docents

4. Core Concepts Sheet

5. TV Reel Photos

Garden Volunteers : Please read before Session 1

• Garden Volunteer Guide

Supplementary Information (Optional!)

You are welcome to read/watch these after Session 1

• Volunteer Handbook

• Director’s Tour- Word for Word Script

• Frank Lloyd Wright History

• Fabyan History

Recommended Readings:
These are all available to borrow at the Fabyan Villa and available at most local libraries. If you prefer to purchase them, they can be purchased from the Villa as well.

• The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone. A look at the life and times of Elizebeth Friedman, the lead code-breaker at Riverbank Laboratories.

• George Fabyan by Richard Munson. A somewhat sensationalized look at Colonel George Fabyan and the Riverbank Estate but still full of useful information.

Recommended Watching:

• Video on the Estate History (3min)

• Susumu Kobayashi Video (3min)

• PBS The Code Breaker (50min) - About Elizebeth Friedman and Jason Fagone’s book.

• Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie Style (10min) - FLLW Trust Video about FLLW.