Cranbrook House and Gardens Auxiliary Seeks New Members

The is seeking new members.

Now in it's 40th year, the organization of docents and local experts about the national historic landmark are looking for more tour leaders, according to a news release. Training begins today from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. and runs through May 29 at the Cranbrook House. The Auxiliary will host “Blooming Anticipation”, our new member mixer from 10 a.m. to noon on April 14.

This informal event in is a chance to meet Auxiliary members and to learn about the many opportunities the House and Gardens Auxiliary offers. Speakers will describe the group's many accomplishments and commitment to historic preservation. Light refreshments will be served and reservations are required as attendance is limited to 66 people.

No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm and an interest in art, architecture, and history.

Cranbrook House and Gardens Auxiliary is a non-profit, volunteer organization of more than 350 people dedicated to preserving, restoring and maintaining Cranbrook House and Gardens for the Cranbrook and greater community.

The house was designed by noted Detroit architect Albert Kahn in 1908 for founders George Gough Booth and Ellen Scripps in the English Arts and Crafts-style and is the oldest surviving manor home in metro Detroit. It is considered the centerpiece of the National Historic Landmark Cranbrook Educational Community, the release stated.

The Booths commissioned the finest artisans and craftsmen at the time to furnish the house with handcrafted furniture, tapestries, tiles, stained and leaded glass, and other works of fine and decorative art. The 40-acres Cranbrook Gardens are noted for their formal, woodland and naturalistic gardens incorporating fountains, statuary, lakes, streams, and extensive traditional and naturalist plantings. An active greenhouse is also open to the public. 

To register for the Blooming Anticipations event, visit www.housegardens.cranbrook.edu, call 248-645-3149, or email mkrygier@cranbrook.edu.

Cranbrook House and Garden Schedules

• Self-Guided Garden Tours are available daily from May 1 – Labor Day; Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tours on Labor Day are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. After Labor Day through September, Cranbrook House is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is open in October on weekends only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Self-guided tours of Cranbrook Gardens are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $15 for families. Season passes to Cranbrook Gardens are available at $25 for individual, $35 per couple and $45 per family.

• Guided tours of Cranbrook House are available Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays June 21 - October 28. Thursday tours at 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. (October Tours at 11a.m. only). Friday tours begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (October Tours at 11 a.m. only). Sunday Tours begin at 1 and 3 p.m. (October Tours at 1 p.m. only).
• Guided tours of Cranbrook House are $10 for adults, and $8 for seniors or students. All tours include a garden visit.