Marianne Raffin, a life-long volunteer and devoted admirer of Meadow Brook Hall, was recently recognized by the United Way of Southeastern Michigan for her exceptional commitment to volunteerism. This annual honor recognizes those in the community who make meaningful contributions to their communities through service. Notably, Marianne is the first volunteer to receive this honor from Meadow Brook.
“Marianne is a wonderful model of the remarkable commitment of Meadow Brook’s volunteer corps, and I’m so pleased to see her recognized by this important regional organization,” said Connor Newton, Associate Director of Visitor Services and Security.
While Marianne’s volunteerism began many years ago, her path at Meadow Brook began in 2015. When volunteering at a local election event, she struck up a conversation with a Meadow Brook Squire, who encouraged her to get involved. Having attended many events at Meadow Brook as a guest—including the Concours d’Elegance and Holiday Walk—she already felt a strong connection to the historic estate. Marianne attributes her success as a volunteer to her social and active nature, which has helped her connect with others and fully engage in her many roles at Meadow Brook.
Since then, Marianne has contributed in a wide variety of roles: as a docent, in preservation work and especially during the holiday season, which she finds particularly magical at Meadow Brook. She is also a proud member of the Meadow Brook Garden Club and The Questers, an organization focused on preservation, restoration, and education. Through The Questers, she has helped secure grants to support Meadow Brook’s mission.
Marianne’s dedication was especially evident during last year’s Holiday Walk, when she contributed more than 100 volunteer hours in fewer than three months. Many of those hours were spent creating a dramatic, custom dress that became the focal point of Matilda Dodge Wilson’s bedroom display. The handmade cloak covered Marianne’s entire dining room during its creation and took more than 60 hours to complete. At the curator’s request for something “dramatic,” Marianne delivered a breathtaking piece that brought history and imagination to life.
Marianne’s talents extend beyond volunteering—her sewing skills have long been a personal passion, inspired by her mother-in-law’s encouragement. She designed and made her daughter’s wedding dress and has sewn countless costumes for her child’s school. While she considers sewing a calming hobby, it has become a meaningful way to contribute to Meadow Brook’s preservation, from repairing Matilda’s dresses for display to restoring historic fabric and tapestries.
One of her favorite volunteer memories came during her very first Holiday Walk. While stationed near the family photo gallery, she overheard a group of visitors sharing lively stories about the people in the photographs. She assumed they were spinning tall tales—only to learn later that members of the Dodge Wilson family had been touring that day!
For Marianne, volunteering at Meadow Brook is about more than just giving back—it’s about preserving a remarkable piece of history and sharing it with others. As she says, “We are very fortunate to have this treasure in our area.”
Thanks to passionate, generous individuals like Marianne Raffin, Meadow Brook will continue to thrive as a vibrant cultural landmark where history is preserved, stories are shared, and the community is welcomed with warmth and wonder. Volunteers ensure that Meadow Brook’s rich legacy not only endures, but continues to inspire future generations.
For more information about volunteering at Meadow Brook, visit meadowbrookhall.org/volunteer.
