Contact the Deering Estate

ESTATE HOURS

General Admission: 10 AM to 5 PM (no admission after 4 PM / entrance gate closes 4 PM)

Open every day except Thanksgiving & Christmas.

 

Feel free to inquire further regarding weddings or other private events

Historic Museum Homes

The Historic Museums Homes are open for self guided touring 10am- 5pm. Although we do our best to keep our museums open during our General Admission hours, the Historic Museum Homes or portions of the museums may be closed at certain times & during events without notice.

 

Our App-based audio tour is now available for only $2 on Cloudguide. Download CloudGuide from the App Store or Google Play today.

 

Nature Preserve Tours

Offered October – May daily at 12:30pm.

Plan Your Visit

Deering Estate

16701 SW 72 Avenue, Miami, FL 33157

(305) 235-1668,

Visitor Services: Option 1
Office hours 10AM-4PM, Daily

Get Estate Directions

Foundation Membership Office

7241 SW 168 Street, Miami, FL 33157

(305) 235-1668

Memberships: Option 4
Office hours 10AM-4PM, Monday – Friday*.

*Please call prior to visiting the Membership office, as we step out of the office periodically throughout the day to setup for our upcoming events.

*Foundation office will be closed Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, through Monday, Jan. 1, 2024*

 

Membership Office Directions

 

Deering Estate Staff

Director
Jennifer Tisthammer stepped in as the Deering Estate’s Director in 2014, serving as the Deputy Director since 2007 and Interim Executive Director of Deering Estate Foundation in 2006. Jennifer has Read More
Jennifer TisthammerDirector

Jennifer Tisthammer stepped in as the Deering Estate’s Director in 2014, serving as the Deputy Director since 2007 and Interim Executive Director of Deering Estate Foundation in 2006. Jennifer has more than 20 years of experience in senior and executive management, specializing in finance, operations, cultural and natural resource management, and nonprofit governance. During her tenure, she has worked alongside multiple state and federal agencies to steward the Deering Estate’s rich resources; has served as Project Manager for both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 archeological and geological surveys of the Estate; co-coordinated the working group for the 2013 State Management Plan; led the strategic vision and implementation plan for the Deering Estate transition to a cultural and ecological field station; and led the strategic vision and implementation plan for the restoration of the historic homes, museum enterprise, and collections management. Jennifer is a member of FIU’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Education Advisory Board and the Organization of Biological Field Stations. Jennifer received a Master of Science degree in Environmental Studies, was an American Association of Women scholarship recipient for Women in STEM, has Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation, Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Marketing, and is currently pursuing her PhD in Earth Systems Science and Policy. Jennifer can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 232.

Assistant to the Director
Dianely Cabrera is a Miami native who received her B.A. in Anthropology with a minor in Classical Archaeology from Florida State University. While living in Tallahassee, she worked as a Read More
Dianely Martin CabreraAssistant to the Director

Dianely Cabrera is a Miami native who received her B.A. in Anthropology with a minor in Classical Archaeology from Florida State University. While living in Tallahassee, she worked as a Museum Technician for the National Park Service’s Southeast Archaeological Center. Returning to Miami in 2010, she continued her work with the NPS at the South FL Collections Management Center as an Archives Technician. Continuing her studies at Florida International University, she completed a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies in 2013. Following her work with NPS, she took up a role with the Coral Gables Museum as School and Family Programs Manager until 2015, taking time to be with her family. Dianely has been with the Deering Estate since June 2019, employed as the Curatorial and Programs Associate and in August 2020 she accepted a new position as the Assistant to the Director of the Deering Estate.

Dianely can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 227.

Business Operations Manager
Karen Solms has a Master’s Degree in Marine Biology from NOVA Southeastern University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology with a minor in Environmental Science from University of Florida. Karen Read More
Karen SolmsBusiness Operations Manager

Karen Solms has a Master’s Degree in Marine Biology from NOVA Southeastern University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology with a minor in Environmental Science from University of Florida. Karen began her career with Miami Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department in 2000 as the lead naturalist for the Sea Turtle Awareness Program at Crandon Park. Karen became the Visitor Services Manager for the Deering Estate in 2013. Karen can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 258.

Assistant to Business Operations Manager
Rosana joined the Deering Estate in 2008 as a Guest Services Representative and was promoted to the Assistant to the Business Manager in 2013. She assists with daily and monthly Read More
Rosana LlorcaAssistant to Business Operations Manager

Rosana joined the Deering Estate in 2008 as a Guest Services Representative and was promoted to the Assistant to the Business Manager in 2013. She assists with daily and monthly attendance reports, daily sales system data, accounts payable system processing, creating purchase orders, monitoring of the online sales system and more. Rosana can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 225.

Exhibits and Collections Manager
Melissa Diaz received her Master’s Degree in Art History from the University of South Florida where her area of concentration was the early works of Michelangelo Pistoletto and his involvement Read More
Melissa DiazExhibits and Collections Manager

Melissa Diaz received her Master’s Degree in Art History from the University of South Florida where her area of concentration was the early works of Michelangelo Pistoletto and his involvement with Arte Povera. She has held positions in several museums and galleries throughout South Florida including the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, David Castillo Gallery, and Miami Art Museum (now Pérez Art Museum Miami). Additionally, she participated in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection internship program in Venice, Italy, where she was the first recipient of the Liesbeth Bollen Internship Fund. As an independent curator, Melissa has organized several contemporary art exhibitions in South Florida. She has taught courses in art history and museum studies for Miami Dade College, Florida International University and New World School of the Arts. Melissa can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 238.

Registrar
Martha Betancourt holds Bachelor degrees in History and Art History, a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies, and completed advance coursework towards the Master of Fine Arts in Curatorial Practices at Read More
Martha BetancourtRegistrar

Martha Betancourt holds Bachelor degrees in History and Art History, a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies, and completed advance coursework towards the Master of Fine Arts in Curatorial Practices at Florida International University. Martha began working in museum collections and curatorial affairs at The Wolfsonian-FIU, she continued with the university community serving as Assistant Registrar and Exhibitions Specialist at the Frost Art Museum. More recently Martha managed coordination of loans and exhibition development for the Kislak Gallery at the Museum of Art and Design at Miami Dade College, and has enjoyed lecturing on art history topics at Miami institutions such as the Instituto Cultural de México en Miami. Martha joined the Deering Estate’s Historic Preservation and Curatorial department as Museum Registrar.

 

Conservation & Learning Program Manager
Chris Bumpus grew up in the Northeast where he attended college receiving his BS in General Biology from the University of New Hampshire, his MBA from the University of Rhode Read More
Chris BumpusConservation & Learning Program Manager

Chris Bumpus grew up in the Northeast where he attended college receiving his BS in General Biology from the University of New Hampshire, his MBA from the University of Rhode Island, and his Masters in Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island. After completing his Master’s degree he moved to Miami to continue his career in the field of fisheries as well as teach college courses in oceanography and environmental science. He joined the Deering Estate in the fall of 2016 and the Learning Programs Manager, leading the efforts to integrate science into the Deering Estate’s curriculum, create a suite of STEM+Arts curriculum, and expand nature based learning experiences for all ages. Chris can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 264.

Recreation Specialist 2
Born and raised in Miami, Rangel is an avid birdwatcher and all around naturalist. He enjoys spending his time outdoors documenting rare species of wildlife and keeping tabs of biodiversity Read More
Rangel DiazRecreation Specialist 2

Born and raised in Miami, Rangel is an avid birdwatcher and all around naturalist. He enjoys spending his time outdoors documenting rare species of wildlife and keeping tabs of biodiversity on the property. He started his career with Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces in 2006 and has had the privilege of assisting with the management of an educational reptile collection, monitoring sea turtle nesting, maintaining shorebird wintering sites, restoring natural areas and educating the public. He has been with Deering Estate since November 2014.

Group Sales Coordinator
Elias Horna started at Deering Estate in 2008 as a Summer Camp Counselor and continued as part of our Education and Interpretive Staff team. In 2014 he was promoted to Read More
Elias HornaGroup Sales Coordinator

Elias Horna started at Deering Estate in 2008 as a Summer Camp Counselor and continued as part of our Education and Interpretive Staff team. In 2014 he was promoted to Group Sales Specialist. Elias can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 262.

Sales & Marketing Manager
Cathy graduated from Florida International University with a Master in Public Administration (MPA) Degree and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature. She also studied abroad at Charles University Read More
Cathy GuerraSales & Marketing Manager

Cathy graduated from Florida International University with a Master in Public Administration (MPA) Degree and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature. She also studied abroad at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. Cathy began her employment with Miami-Dade County in 2003 with the Department of Cultural Affairs. In 2006, she moved to the Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) and served as the Department’s Public Information Officer. In late 2006, Cathy joined the Deering Estate as the Marketing Manager.

Cathy is responsible for supervising the Ticket Office Staff and Special Events/Rentals team, as well as managing sales and marketing programs, brand management, public relations and social media.

Cathy can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 244.

Special Events Manager
Jenna has a degree in Recreation and Leisure Services Administration. She started at Deering in 2009 as a summer camp counselor and continued as part of our Education Team. In Read More
Jenna NoordhoekSpecial Events Manager

Jenna has a degree in Recreation and Leisure Services Administration. She started at Deering in 2009 as a summer camp counselor and continued as part of our Education Team. In 2011 she transferred to the Special Events department as the Special Events Manager. Jenna can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 236.

Grounds & Maintenance Supervisor
Andres currently serves as the Manager of Grounds and Maintenance. He has been with Deering Estate for over 20 years. In the past he has been recognized by Professional Grounds Read More
Andres CalixGrounds & Maintenance Supervisor

Andres currently serves as the Manager of Grounds and Maintenance. He has been with Deering Estate for over 20 years. In the past he has been recognized by Professional Grounds Management Society and Landscape Superintendent Magazine for his excellence in grounds skills, dedication and management. Andres can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 237.

Safety & Security Manager
Joseph is a U.S. Marine veteran, born and raised in Miami, Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management, a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), and is Read More
Joseph WimbleySafety & Security Manager

Joseph is a U.S. Marine veteran, born and raised in Miami, Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management, a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), and is a Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor with various other instructor level certifications in the field of security and law enforcement. As the Safety & Security Manager at the Deering Estate, Joseph leads a team of security professionals, ensuring the safety of our staff and visitors and the protection of the park’s rich cultural and natural resources. Joseph can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 260.

Deering Estate Foundation Staff

Executive Director
Nina Zanella comes to the Deering Estate Foundation with over 25 years in nonprofit management and a strong fund development and communications background. Nina attended the University of Rhode Island Read More
Nina ZanellaExecutive Director

Nina Zanella comes to the Deering Estate Foundation with over 25 years in nonprofit management and a strong fund development and communications background. Nina attended the University of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island School of Design. She began her journey into the nonprofit world in her home state of Rhode Island and has not looked back – continuing her personal and professional endeavor to ‘make a difference.’ Nina enjoys meeting and interacting with a variety of people on both a personal and professional level and she believes that the key to successful leadership lies in being a good listener and making, stewarding, and fostering relationships. Her successes include initiating and bringing capital campaigns and projects to completion, growing organizational endowments, and commencing successful planned giving programs. Throughout the years, Nina’s work has impacted several non-profit organizations including a private, experiential-learning school, a local SPCA, a home-visit child health organization for marginalized populations, an AIDS advocacy organization, a hospice organization, and other human services agencies.

Nina can often be found gardening, walking, reading or singing rock and roll quite loudly in her car. No matter what she does or where she is, Nina is a strong proponent of women’s rights, inclusivity and diversity, and advocating for the LGBTQ community. Nina recently relocated from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with her husband, her mother, and a few very special cats. She has been with the Deering Estate Foundation since August 2019 in the role of Director of Operations and Development.

Nina can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 272.

Special Events Coordinator
Michelle Streit originally from Kansas has been with the Foundation for over 8 years now. She is the driving force behind the Deering Estate Foundation’s signature events including Wine on Read More
Michelle StreitSpecial Events Coordinator

Michelle Streit originally from Kansas has been with the Foundation for over 8 years now. She is the driving force behind the Deering Estate Foundation’s signature events including Wine on Harvest Moon and Deering Seafood Festival. Michelle can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 253.

Membership Coordinator
Dee Diaz is originally from Michigan and is now a Floridian for life.  She has over 8 years of experience in Fundraising and Events in South Florida. She currently assists Read More
Dee DiazMembership Coordinator

Dee Diaz is originally from Michigan and is now a Floridian for life.  She has over 8 years of experience in Fundraising and Events in South Florida. She currently assists in all areas with the Deering Estate Foundation. Dee can be reached by phone at (305) 235-1668, Ext. 263.

Bookkeeper
Bob Ryan, CPA, joined the foundation in May 2017.  As part-time bookkeeper, he handles all  of  the  accounting  needs  of  the  Deering  Estate  Foundation.  Prior to joining the Foundation,  Bob Read More
Bob RyanBookkeeper

Bob Ryan, CPA, joined the foundation in May 2017.  As part-time bookkeeper, he handles all  of  the  accounting  needs  of  the  Deering  Estate  Foundation.  Prior to joining the Foundation,  Bob has served  many community organizations in different capacities, including as CFO of the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida and  Controller of the Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club.

The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. is a community-based charitable 501(c) 3 Florida Corporation dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Deering Estate, one of South Florida’s largest and most significant historical, archeological, architectural and environmental treasures.