How We Are Run
Hillwood is governed by a Board of Trustees, some of whom are members of the Post family.
Members of the Board of Trustees:
- Mary Emerson Slimp, President
- Ellen MacNeille Charles, President Emerita
- Elizabeth Odom, First Vice President & Assistant Treasurer
- Susan Bollendorf, Vice President
- Kathryn Vigé Hicks, Secretary
- Lucy S. Rhame, Treasurer
- Michele Hartlove
- Sophie Hawkins
- Joshua Hildreth
- Andrew Iverson
- Alison Cady Martin
- Beth Newburger
- Sara O'Keefe
- Donna Roberts
- Nedenia C. Rumbough
- Stanley H. Rumbough
- Skip Sroka
- Gail Berry West
The executive director is responsible for the day to day operations of the estate; a staff of more than 90 employees and 400 active volunteers assists the executive director in all aspects of the operations, including:
- Administration
- Curatorial and Collections
- External Affairs
- Finance and Security Services
- Horticulture
- Interpretation
- Operations and Technology
- People & Culture
The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (aam-us.org).
Mission
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens’ mission is to welcome, delight, and engage all visitors with an experience inspired by the life of founder Marjorie Merriweather Post and her passion for beauty, art, history, and gardens.
Vision
To be a welcoming, vibrant, and inspirational oasis for all.
Core Value Statement
Our values flow from our founder Marjorie Merriweather Post.
- Appreciation of Beauty: We are dedicated to recognizing and celebrating beauty in all its forms. Our commitment to aesthetic excellence reflects our belief that beauty enriches lives and fosters a deeper connection with the world around us.
- Inclusiveness: By working together, we cultivate a community that values diversity, where everyone feels welcome, heard, and empowered to contribute, enjoy, and thrive.
- Excellence: We uphold the highest standards by combining innovation with expertise, pushing boundaries to facilitate learning and deliver exceptional results.
- Inspiration: We are driven by the desire to inspire fulfillment and joy. We aim to spark creativity and motivation in those we touch, infusing our work with enthusiasm and passion.
- Sustainability: We are committed to resource efficiency and climate consciousness, striving to minimize our environmental impact while promoting a culture of responsibility and innovation for future generations.
Mandate
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens' mandate is to preserve, interpret, and present Marjorie Merriweather Post's twenty-five acre estate, museum and gardens for the enjoyment of the public and to inspire future generations. Hillwood comprises important collections that include but are not limited to Russian imperial art, French decorative arts, costumes, textiles, jewelry, as well as gardens and woodlands. Hillwood continues Post’s legacy by being a voice in history; women's empowerment; philanthropy; community and social involvement; healthy lifestyles; interior design; Russian imperial art and culture; French decorative arts and culture; costume, jewelry, and textile design; ecological and ornamental horticulture; and garden design.