Retirement Reimagined: Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Volunteering at the Packard Proving Grounds is powered by a vibrant, multi-generational community. Students completing volunteer hours, working professionals giving back when their schedules allow, longtime history enthusiasts, and retirees all contribute to the energy that keeps this historic site active and welcoming.
For those newly retired, stepping into that community can be especially meaningful. Retirement opens the door to something many people have been waiting for – the freedom to explore interests, revisit long-held curiosities, and choose how to spend their time. At the PPG, that freedom often turns into connection, purpose, and discovery.
Volunteer docents bring the story of Packard to life, welcoming visitors and sharing the legacy of this historic landmark.
An Opportunity to Explore
Rather than slowing down, retirement can be an invitation to lean into what excites you. Volunteering at the Packard Proving Grounds offers a way to stay engaged while exploring passions that may have taken a back seat during busy careers.
Some retirees arrive with a clear interest in history, architecture, or hands-on projects. Others come simply curious and discover new passions once they’re here. The PPG’s volunteer community – made up of people at many stages of life – offers an energizing environment where learning and collaboration happen naturally.
From landscaping to seasonal upkeep, volunteers take pride in preserving the beauty and integrity of the Proving Grounds.
Some volunteers find fulfillment behind the scenes – researching, organizing, and helping history stay accessible for future generations.
Many Ways to Get Involved
After retirement, one of the most rewarding freedoms is choise – and volunteering at the Packard Proving Grounds offers plent of it.
Some retirees enjoy supporting Packard Weddings, welcoming guests and helping events unfold seamlessly behind the scenes. Others are drawn to public-facing programs like car shows, the Historical Speaker Series, swap meets, and seasonal events – opportunities that are engaging, social, and ever-changing.
For those who like working with their hands, maintenance and grounds projects provide a tangible way to care for the site throughout the year. Volunteers with a love of storytelling, history, or lifelong learning may find themselves assisting with archives, tours, or training as docents – a role currently in high demand and especially well-suited for those who enjoy engaging with visitors and sharing what makes this place special.
The Packard Farmers Market offers a more casual, community-forward experience. Volunteering alongside students also brings fresh energy and perspective to event days.
Many opportunities are event-based and can be done once or occasionally, making it easy to ease in. Others offer deeper involvement for those who find themselves wanting more.
From preservation projects to signature fundraisers like the Great Gatsby Gala, volunteering at the PPG offers many ways to get involved.
Even the smallest restoration efforts are powered by volunteers working together with pride and purpose.
Volunteers with mechanical expertise lend their skills to restoration projects that keep Packard history alive.
Finding the Right Fit After Retirement
For newly retired volunteers, finding the right balance is key. Volunteers begin by sharing their areas of interest, and from there, Volunteer Coordinator Donna Shiner works to match them with opportunities that align with what they enjoy – or introduces them to similar roles they may not have considered.
This personalized approach allows retirees to shape a volunteer experience that fits their lifestyle, whether they’re looking for occasional involvement or a more regular commitment.
Volunteers take on projects that match their interests – from hands-on structural work to specialized preservation efforts.
Making an Impact That Lasts
Retirees play an important role in preserving the Packard Proving Grounds and supporting its future. Their experience, perspective, and enthusiasm strengthen the volunteer community and help ensure the site continues to educate and inspire.
“Volunteers bring life to the Packard Proving Grounds,” says Mary Anne Demo, Executive Director. “Whether someone is newly retired or just discovering this place for the first time, our volunteers help preserve our history, support our programs, and create experiences that connect people to something larger than themselves.”
Looking ahead to 2026, the volunteer program is focused on creating a clear, supportive experience for everyone involved. Clear training, easy sign-ups, and simple hour tracking help volunteers feel confident as they explore new opportunities and settle into roles that suit them.
“Retirement isn’t about stepping away — it’s about stepping into what excites you. At the Packard Proving Grounds, volunteers shape their own experience while helping preserve a place that continues to inspire.”
— Mary Anne Demo, Executive Director
“Their experience, perspective, and enthusiasm strengthen the volunteer community and help ensure the site continues to educate and inspire others.”
An Invitation for Your Next Chapter
If you’re newly retired and wondering what comes next, the Packard Proving Grounds offers a place to explore interests, meet people, and be part of something meaningful.
By joining an already vibrant volunteer community, retirees have the opportunity to shape their days with purpose, curiosity, and connection – writing the next chapter on their own terms, while helping preserve a place that continues to inspire generations.
For many, retirement becomes a time to stay in motion – welcoming guests, sharing stories, and continuing to contribute in meaningful ways.
