National Volunteer Week Spotlight: Stan and Joan Younce

“Real generosity towards the future lies in giving all to the present.” -Albert Camus, French philosopher

This April during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, Drayton Hall is celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of our dedicated and talented volunteers. If it were not for the time, support, and energy that each of our volunteers has graciously given, Drayton Hall’s success and entire mission to preserve and interpret Drayton Hall and educate the public would begin to unravel. The help and generosity of each of our passionate volunteers enables Drayton Hall to continue this mission to inspire people to embrace historic preservation for generations to come.

Joan and Stan Younce are two of the many champions in our organization who have donated countless hours to Drayton Hall, and this month we want to shine a special light of thanks on this dedicated duo!

Stan first got involved with Drayton Hall when long-time friend and Drayton Hall volunteer, Ian Purches, encouraged him to participate in the Preservation Department’s 2008 Archaeology Institute where he learned the skills associated with excavation, recording, artifact identification, and laboratory work. With his newly honed skills and interest, Stan was able to continue on as a volunteer for our Archaeologist and Curator of Collections, Sarah Stroud Clarke, assisting with more excavations, including the 2009 Archaeological Institute. Stan has been volunteering in the Preservation Department on a weekly basis and has logged over 1,500 hours since 2008. “I enjoy everything at Drayton Hall- the people, the setting, the work. This is a great place to spend my time because it is more rewarding to me than sitting at home reading a book or watching TV,” said Stan. Stan eventually recruited his wife, Joan Younce, to start volunteering at Drayton Hall’s front desk once a week answering the phones, greeting visitors, and assisting with various other special projects, as needed. Since 2009, Joan has volunteered over 1,200 hours. Joan enjoys volunteering at Drayton Hall because of the people. “I love everyone here. You’re always so appreciative and I’ve always felt valued,” said Joan. Joan and Stan also volunteer at our special events throughout the year, including our Annual Spirituals Concerts in December. In their free time, Joan and Stan both enjoy bird watching and this August, they will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Thank you to each and every one of our volunteers for your amazing dedication and support—we are a better organization because of you!