Our 2024 Story

Here we share some highlights of the past year and reflect on what we have accomplished together. Make a gift to support our work.

WE GREW OUR ʻOHANA

We welcomed two new staff members—Associate Director for Story & Experience Nina Peláez and Caretaker Naki Kanekoa—to our growing team and invited two new members—Molly Taylor & Li Hay—to our board. 

WE LAUNCHED A NEW WEBSITE & IDENTITY

Alongside the creation of a new purpose statement, we developed a new website and brand identity that allows us to share our story in more immersive ways. 

ARTISTS & WRITERS JOINED US FOR RESIDENCIES

We hosted four residencies in the Merwins’ house and garden. 

Sound artist and composer Leilehua Lanzilotti and her collaborators joined us in April 2024.

We welcomed poet, essayist, and fiction writer Elisa Gonzalez in June 2024.

Futurefarmers Michael Swaine and Archie Wessells joined us in September 2024.

Writer and environmentalist Terry Tempest Williams spent time in residence in December 2024.

WE OPENED THE GARDEN TO VISITORS 

We welcomed hundreds of visitors to the Merwins’ garden for rich, intimate experiences with place, poetry, and practice.

We increased our number of monthly Open Garden Days, welcomed volunteers, and hosted special events with our residents in the garden, including a reading with writer Elisa Gonzalez and a workshop with Futurefarmers Michael Swaine and Archie Wessells.

WE HOSTED GREEN ROOM PROGRAMS FOR AUDIENCES AROUND THE WORLD

We presented the work of our residents Leilehua Lanzilotti and Terry Tempest Williams to wide-reaching audiences here on Maui, Oʻahu, and virtually to international audiences through our Green Room series.

WE TENDED THE GARDEN

We grew our volunteer program, mitigated the impact of invasive species, grew Pritchardia palms for replanting in Lāhainā, and completed a long-term plan for garden maintenance, renewal, replacement, and expansion.

WE CATALOGED OUR ARCHIVE

We undertook a significant effort to organize and catalog the extensive Merwin archives, which include personal papers, drafts, unpublished manuscripts, photographs, and more.

WE REPAIRED THE ORIGINAL ROOF & REBUILT THE SHADE HOUSE

Important improvements to the house and garden structures completed this year preserved the craftsmanship and ensured the longevity of this special place.

WE EXPANDED OUR COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS

We deepened our fundraising efforts through individual donations and grants including a five-year major commitment from the Altman Foundation and support from the Atherton Family Foundation, Cooke Foundation, Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, and The Garden Club of Honolulu.

WE PLANNED FOR THE FUTURE

We worked with architects on plans for a secondary ADA accessible cottage on the property, built out new frameworks for fundraising, launched a three-year strategic plan, and completed a long-term garden maintenance plan.