Hillwood aims to be a welcoming place for all, reflecting the diversity of the vibrant city we call home. Inspired by our founder Marjorie Merriweather Post's legacy of hospitality and graciousness, we have worked to strengthen connections with the many communities that make up Washington, D.C. to expand our reach and foster a greater sense of belonging. 

A key part of this effort has been broadening our programming to reflect a wider range of perspectives and traditions. We have introduced new programs that highlight the arts, history, and cultural expressions of the many communities that shape our city, inviting lecturers, performers, and artists from diverse backgrounds to share their talents and stories. These programs celebrate the richness of our shared experiences, offering engaging and inspiring opportunities for all who visit Hillwood.

Jazz for All

Hillwood's outdoor jazz concerts offer audiences from across the Washington, D.C., area the opportunity to enjoy outstanding musical performances in a setting of unparalleled beauty. Partnering with local jazz great Marshall Keys, producer Donna Limerick creates specially curated performances that explore the rich cultural history of jazz through different lenses and perspectives. Hillwood's Lunar Lawn is the setting for lively fall evenings of music and culture, with the enchanting gardens of Hillwood as the backdrop. 

Since introducing the series in the fall of 2021, Hillwood has welcomed over 1,300 guests to these special performances. Dedicated to delighting and engaging audiences with an experience inspired by founder Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood presents the jazz series to invite and welcome a diverse audience, providing a platform for talented local musicians and ensuring that performances like these are accessible and enjoyable for everyone. By supporting Jazz in the Gardens, you will help Hillwood to: 

• Celebrate this important artistic tradition like only Hillwood can: At every evening performance, Hillwood's Lunar Lawn is filled with a vibrant audience made up of jazz aficionados, casual listeners, and community members, all eager to engage with the music and each other while they enjoy an evening of beauty, fun, and relaxation.
• Present a vibrant and diverse evening for all: With its roots in Black history, jazz embodies the spirit of diversity and inclusion. Jazz in the Gardens celebrates this history, creating an event and atmosphere that is welcoming and enlightening for all.
• Make jazz accessible for everyone: By hosting these special performances outside in the lush oasis at Hillwood, our goal is to ensure that outstanding jazz music is available and accessible to everyone.

Movement and Dance on the Lunar Lawn

Hillwood founder Marjorie Merriweather Post had a lifelong love of dance and served on the board of the Washington School of Ballet foundation, which made certain that the school was non-segregated and that it awarded scholarships without regard to race. This connection between Post and dance inspires programs at Hillwood that give a platform to movement artists from the Washington, D.C., area. Following a movement piece inspired by 2021's Rich Soil exhibition, co-commissioned Dance Place, and performances since then by SOLE Defined, Gesel Mason, the Dance Institute of Washington, Coyoba Dance Theater, and others, dance and movement on the Lunar Lawn continue to promote identity, community, and connection. 

Lectures and Other Programs

In addition to dance and music, the lectures and programs we typically present each year have been expanded to include more inclusive and important themes. Since 2021, topics explored in the Frederick J. Fisher lecture have included a focus on the history of the land on which Hillwood rests and dressmaker Ann Lowe. The recent Sea Cloud lecture series focused on the stories of Marjorie Post's legendary sailing yacht, including the role of artist Jacob Lawrence on board and Sea Cloud's history as the first integrated military unit, before the official elimination of segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces in 1948.

Paid Internships

Hillwood's goal through its internship program is to provide enriching experiences for college students interested in museum careers. The Hillwood Internship Program offers part-time, paid positions for students passionate about pursuing careers in museums and horticulture. Participants benefit from valuable work experience, exposure to museum leaders, and the development of a professional skill set. Interns dedicate two to five days a week to their area of interest on Hillwood's campus, with an additional two days a month dedicated to ongoing learning and professional development. Interns can apply for specialized tracks in Arts and Archives, Museum Operations, or Horticulture. 

Support Connections

The work to be more inclusive and welcoming is never-ending, and we will continue to present and expand on this programming initiative, as we feature artists, authors, and lecturers from our diverse community and beyond. We hope to raise $50,000 from generous donors to cover the estimated direct costs associated with presenting the dance, music, and cultural programs, with Hillwood providing over twice that amount in staff time allocated to the programs. We invite donors to fund this important aspect of Hillwood's goal to be truly inspiring, gracious, inclusive, and welcoming to all. 

For more information or to support these initiatives, please contact our development team at 202.243.3975 or click here to donate.