To stimulate the exploration and understanding of principles expressed by George Mason in the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights.

To present the life and work of George Mason IV to promote and enrich the understanding of American democracy.

1. Authenticity

2. Inclusiveness

3. Stewardship

4. Civic Engagement

A leading thinker of the Revolution and early national years, George Mason formulated many of his ideas at Gunston Hall, his 5,500-acre Potomac River plantation.  Here, while supervising the work of hundreds of enslaved people growing tobacco, wheat, and corn, Mason read political theory and discussed the issues of the day with neighbors.  He wrote pages of letters, drafted legislation, and penned treatises. Importantly, today we remember Mason for the signature accomplishments of writing the Fairfax Resolves, the Virginia Constitution, and­—most significantly—the Virginia Declaration of Rights. In writing the Declaration of Rights, Mason was the first to create a government document that enshrined in law such fundamental American liberties as religious tolerance and freedom of the press.  He demonstrated remarkable courage by refusing to sign the United States Constitution because, among other concerns, it lacked a bill of rights. 

Today Gunston Hall is a 550-acre National Historic Landmark passionately fulfilling its mission to stimulate the exploration and understanding of principles expressed by George Mason in the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights. Exhibitions, tours, and programs offer guests opportunities to delve into the ideas of the founding era and to grapple with the contradictions of a revolution for liberty led by people who held people in slavery.

During a visit to Gunston Hall, guests are able to experience a guided tour of the mansion; self-guided exhibits and tours of the reconstructed outbuildings, an active archaeology program, landscapes and natural areas along the Potomac River, and numerous hiking trails. The property is also a certified nature sanctuary and the site’s extensive Bluebird Trail has been designated as a “Virginia Treasure.”

In accordance with a 1932 Deed of Gift from its last private owners, Eleanor and Louis Hertle, Gunston Hall was donated in 1949 to the Commonwealth of Virginia.   Management and supervision of the property is vested in the private Board of Regents of Gunston Hall Incorporated (BRGHI). The Board of Regents is a 501(c)(3) organization composed of members of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA).  The NSCDA is a national association of 44 Corporate State Societies promoting appreciation for the people, places and events that led to the formation and development of our country.  It has been a leader in the field of historic preservation, restoration, and the interpretation of historic sites since 1897.  Gunston Hall and the Board of Regents are also supported and advised by the Gunston Hall Foundation and the Gunston Hall Board of Visitors.  As such, Gunston Hall is a thriving example of a sucessful public-private partnership with funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia and monies raised from philanthropic sources.

Gunston Hall continues implementing its strategic operating plan and fulfilling its mission of stimulating the exploration and understanding of principles expressed by George Mason in the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights. 

In 2016, Gunston Hall adopted an ambitious Campus Master Plan. Developed over ten months and benefiting from insights learned from both a comprehensive guest survey and over 100 interviews with key stakeholders, the Plan articulates the following core goals for the future transformation of the site: to enlarge and enhance the historic core, to implement experiences focusing on youth and to provide facilities responsive to their needs, to conserve the site’s distinctive landscapes and natural resources, and to increase access to educational and recreational opportunities throughout the site.

Guided by these objectives, the Campus Master Plan articulates a 20-year process of reimagining the Gunston Hall campus.  The restoration of the George Mason's Riverside Garden is the first capital project being undertaken in the furtherance of the Campus Master Plan. Scheduled for completion in 2023, the Garden will enhance the authenticity of the site, reveal much about the innovative and imaginative mind of Mason, demonstrate the humanity and relationships of those living and working at Gunston Hall, and provide an educational setting as distinctive as Mason’s design for the signature landscape feature of his home.

Additional projects in futherance of this plan include the East Yard Project and the construction of new archaeological and maintenance facilities. Detailed planning for both these projects will begin in 2022.

Regarding the East Yard Project, little documentation remains of the lives of people enslaved at Gunston Hall.  What we do know is that one of George and Ann Mason’s sons, John, wrote a recollection of his early years at Gunston Hall. From this document, we learn that the plantation was divided into four farms, plus a “home farm” on which the mansion was located. Each of the four agricultural farms had its own slave quarter. The home farm was the site of two quarters. One was described by John Mason as being “servant houses” lying to the east of the mansion.

In 2013, the Gunston Hall successfully located the site of the “servant houses” in what John Mason referred to as the East Yard of Gunston Hall. Over a period of four years, we investigated the site and found many compelling artifacts. This site has provided us with our first look at some aspects of the lives of those enslaved at Gunston Hall and, in totall, the East Yard site provides an important window into the lives of people we cannot yet document in any other way.  Ultimatley, the East Yard Project will result in a reconstructed East Yard, as well as educational and interpretative experiences in and around the East Yard.

Furthermore, Gunston Hall has initiated other projects to better interpret the history of the African American and enslaved population's experience at Gunston Hall through research and archeology. This efforts includes the broadening and enhancement of partnerships and collaborations with other educational institutions such as George Mason University. 

Additionally, in line with stated measures, Gunston Hall is now free to all active duty military and their families. This important determination has increased the participation of military families at Gunston Hall and enhanced collaborations with Fort Belvoir and the neighboring military community. This action has also, along with new collaborations with Fairfax County Public Schools and the development of new school aged programming, expanded opportunities for at-risk populations. A critically important component of achieving this measure and the organization's new master plan is the addition of a daily pre-school at Gunston Hall, a project that is also in the planning stages. Another associated impact and outcome of this effort is the expansion of programs for teachers and Gunston Hall has doubled the number of programmatic opportunities for teachers.

Finally, with Capital Fund and Maintenance Reserve Fund support from the Commonwealth and private support from the community, Gunston Hall has completed or commenced significant repairs to the mansion and other cultural resources on the property.  These repairs to the mansion include the installation of a new roof, exterior painting and wood restoration, the replacement of outdated HVAC systems at the mansion, securing a connection to the municipal water system, and a new security and fire suppression system at the mansion.  These efforts have also included enhanced landscape management practices and currently Gunston Hall is working with landscape architects, horticulturalists, and environmental specialists to restore historic landscapes at Gunston Hall, improve access to trails, and support watershed stewardship. Collectively, these efforts are intended and will support the future success and sustainability of Gunston Hall.

Finally, In 2019 the Board of Regents of Gunston Hall refocused its values statement and strategic priorities. these new areas of focus are:

Values:

• Authenticity


• Inclusiveness


• Stewardship


• Civic Engagement

Strategic Priorities:

• To establish Gunston Hall as the Home of American Rights.


• To become a center of learning and engagement for all audiences.


• To secure financial sustainability.


• To maximize the effectiveness of the BRGHI.

Gunston Hall's IT infrastructure remains outdated, inefficient, and ineffective. In particular, given its somewhat rural and isolated location, connectivity is a considerable challenge. This challenge is heightened by aging physical infrastructure at Gunston Hall. This lack of consistent and comprehensive connectivity hinders the development of digital educational experiences and the operational efficiency of the organization.  Finally, increasing IT costs and fees for current or additional services challenge an already tight operating budget.  

Fortunately, Gunston Hall received funding in FY19 and FY20 for some much needed enhancements to the Agency's IT infrastructure. Ensuring that future investments in the Agency's ability to remain current and in alignment with the rapid pace of technological innovation, however, remains a critical priority.

Gunston Hall boasts a dedicated workforce who are passionate about the organization and its mission.  The team is composed of a combination of experienced, skilled, long-tenured employees and talented, eager, emerging professionals. This balance serves the organization well and offers varied perspectives and viewpoints of value to the organization's efforts.  Gunston Hall's operations are also augmented by nineteen private employees of the Board of Regents of Gunston Hall, Inc.

That said, the Gunston Hall team is small and this reality poses operational challenges.These challenges are particularly acute in the areas of facilities and grounds (550 acres and multiple buildings), finance (complex budget and importance of a segregation of duties), and education (core mission and purpose). Accordingly, duties and responsibilities are spread across a variety of positions, making cross-training, communication, and collaboration very important and limiting time available for new initiatives.As reflected in the Agency's succession plan, the high percentage of wage employees fulfilling mission critical functions compounds the challenges reflected above.

While retention is a strength, recruitment can be challenging.  The Northern Virginia market is highly competitive, has low unemployment, a high cost of living, and traffic congestion.  Although amenities abound for current and potential residents, these factors frequently combine to limit the talent pool available and able to work at Gunston Hall. Furthermore, despite overall high job satisfaction among the team, salaries are on average lower than our competitors and other comparable institutions.  This is particularly true for entry and mid-level roles.

At present, Gunston Hall is refining its organizational structure, updating job descriptions, and is nearing complertion  of a comprehensvie compensation and benefits assesment.  Additionally, Gunston  Hall is increasing its private investment in personnel and this support is allowing for the transiton of several part-time positions to full-time roles and the addition of new positions. Finally, the Agency is also implementing an enhanced program of continuing education and professional development. These efforts are part of an overall strategy designed to support the continuing development of the team.

Gunston Hall encompasses 554 acres along the Potomac River, three historic cemeteries, and seventeen buildings of varying ages including, most importantly, Gunston Hall itself which was built by George Mason in 1755.  The property also features multiple archeological sites ranging from pre-history to the twentieth century.  Accordingly, management of the physical plant is a significant investment and responsibility. As such, stewardship of the site's cultural and natural resources is the top priority. 

Overall, despite significant investments and improvements in recent years, Gunston Hall's physical plant is aging and, particularly relating to mechanical systems, still requires a significant investment of time and funds to maintain functionality. 

In FY 2014 Gunston Hall adopted a strategic operating plan which articulated goals and opportunities specific to organizational advancement.  This plan also identified potential challenges and risks which could hinder or prevent the successful achievement of this desired growth and expansion.  These risks include declining public financial support, aging and failing infrastructure, a small staff, and the need to proactively and strategically align operations, educational offerings, and physical infrastructure with a rapidly evolving and increasingly diverse regional population in order to ensure relevance.

Gunston Hall is presently working to overcome these challenges in the following ways:  1) by diversifying its base of financial support and increasing the level of private financial support, 2) by seeking public and private funds for capital improvements, 3) by evaluating its organizational structure and adding privately funded staff, and 4) by collaboratively developing, designing, and implementing improvements to the site and our educational offerings which address the changing demographics of our region based on a series of community discussions and a comprehensive program of guest surveys.

An additional major risk factor, however, is outdated and deficient IT infrastructure and systems. While the Agency received funding in FY19 and FY20 to help address these deficiencies, staying current with the rapid pace of technological innovation remains a risk factor for the overall organization.

 

Gunston Hall recognizes its organizational responsibility to be innovative and entrepreneurial in pursuit of financial sustainability.  This commitment is articulated in the organization's strategic plan and is particularly important since Gunston Hall's general fund appropriation has declined significanlty since 2007, while fixed operating costs (utilities, etc.) have increased during the same time period.  Gunston Hall has sought to strategically overcome this dramatic shift in resources by increasing efficiencies, reducing expenditures where possible, and seeking additional private support.  Although Gunston Hall continues to focus on educational excellence, site stewardship, and community engagement, the reality of this decline in Commonwealth support continues to challenge the organization's ability to expand it's offerings to the public.

Gunston Hall generates non-general fund revenue through site admissions. These funds directly support the operation of Gunston Hall as a publicly accessible historic site.  

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Gunston Hall is commited to diversifying its customer base and does anticpate changes to this base in the coming years.  These anticipated changes are based on two primary factors; 1) organizational efforts to proactively expand this base and, 2) dramatic local, regional, and Commonwealth-wide shifts in population demographics.  Accordingly, while Gunston Hall expects increased participation in its offerings, these increases will likely be among segments of the population which do not presently represent a significant portion of Gunston Hall's current audience.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant reduction of guests and visitors to Gunston Hall over the past years. The elimination, or reduction of school based field trips also resulted in the loss of approximaltey one-third of the Agency's annual visitation.  This and associated realities continue to pose challenges and visitation to Gunston Hall is still far below pre-COVID levels.

Opening to the public in 1952, Gunston Hall is a 550-acre National Historic Landmark passionately fulfilling its mission to stimulate the exploration and understanding of principles expressed by George Mason in the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the visitor center and mansion are open to the public over 345 days a year.  During a visit, guests are able to experience guided tour of the mansion; self-guided exhibits and tours of the reconstructed outbuildings (schoolhouse, kitchen, etc.), an active archaeology program, and hiking trails. The property is also a certified nature sanctuary and the site’s extensive Bluebird Trail as a “Virginia Treasure”. 

Additionally, Gunston Hall is a Blue Star Museum and proudly offers free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families. As a participant in the national Museums for All Program, Gunston Hall also offers free admission to underserved audiences upon presentation of an Electronic Benefits Transfer card.

Finally, Gunston Hall provides for the stewardship of its resources through a significant commitment to historic preservation, collections management, and environmental conservation.

One way Gunston Hall evaluates and measures performance is based on the number of guests served, but the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant decreases in on-site visitation. That said, over the course of pandemic, Gunston Hall engaged over 20,000 individuals via virtual programming and online educational offerings.

Equally important, Gunston Hall evaluates and measures performance based on the impact and benefit we provide to those we serve.  In support of doing so, we conduct evaluations of all our educational offerings and public programs. These surveys reveal and demonstrate a high level of satisfaction with the overall experience at Gunston Hall.

George Mason’s ideas provided the foundation for the revolutionary movement resulting in American independence. His ideas also inspired and influenced subsequent quests for freedom, equality, and liberty in the United States and around the world. Mason also enslaved hundreds of people and despite written expressions in opposition to the institution of slavery, he never freed any of the individuals he kept in bondage

At Gunston Hall, we believe that by exploring Mason’s ideas, choices, and actions—with all their attendant contradictions—we are able to best explore and understand the historical importance and continuing contemporary relevance of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. We also believe that by providing opportunities for reflection, expression, and action we can facilitate beneficial, community driven discussions about rights and freedom today.

Being The Home of American Rights requires us to tell an honest, diverse, and full story of Gunston Hall. Being The Home of American Rights also requires us to invite and welcome all those in the communities we serve to participate in this work and for us to listen to and learn from these diverse perspectives. In addition, being The Home of American Rights means that we must courageously advocate for rights, and both seek and encourage justice and freedom for everyone.

George Mason’s ideas provided the foundation for the revolutionary movement resulting in American independence. His ideas also inspired and influenced subsequent quests for freedom, equality, and liberty in the United States and around the world. Mason also enslaved hundreds of people and despite written expressions in opposition to the institution of slavery, he never freed any of the individuals he kept in bondage

At Gunston Hall, we believe that by exploring Mason’s ideas, choices, and actions—with all their attendant contradictions—we are able to best explore and understand the historical importance and continuing contemporary relevance of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. We also believe that by providing opportunities for reflection, expression, and action we can facilitate beneficial, community driven discussions about rights and freedom today.

Being The Home of American Rights requires us to tell an honest, diverse, and full story of Gunston Hall. Being The Home of American Rights also requires us to invite and welcome all those in the communities we serve to participate in this work and for us to listen to and learn from these diverse perspectives. In addition, being The Home of American Rights means that we must courageously advocate for rights, and both seek and encourage justice and freedom for everyone.

• Live our brand and values in all aspects of organizational operations.

• Disseminate the ideas of George Mason as expressed in the Virginia Declaration of Rights.

• Promote and share the multi-faceted story of America's founding including its influence on the global spread of democratic ideas.

• Continue to cultivate relationships with organizations, institutions, and individuals that are aligned with our mission.

• Continue to expand marketing strategies through platforms that connect with diverse audiences.

• Increase public access to collections and archives through digitization.

• Expand P-12 education programs.

• Through the master site plan, create an environment that connects visitors with the story of Gunston Hall and enhances their appreciation of its physical setting and history.

George Mason frequently wrote that his greatest duty, responsibility and obligation was that of being a husband and a father. Mason, who never attended formal school, also prioritized education and life-long learning. A voracious reader, but also a curious and inquisitive seeker of knowledge, Mason understood the value and importance of learning and engagement.

At Gunston Hall, we facilitate experiences that are meaningful and inclusive and that nurture enthusiasm for life-long learning, that supports personal growth and professional development, and that promotes civic engagement. We also provide physically and intellectually accessible experiences, we are open to partnership and collaboration, and we seek to be inclusive of diverse populations, perspectives, and ideas.

All of our efforts to be a center of learning and engagement are driven by our commitment and promise to place children, families, and their caregivers at the center of our work. This intentional focus on our youngest citizens is foundational to creating an interconnected learning campus on our site, one that fosters and supports opportunities for curious minds to explore, discover, connect, reflect, and to express themselves and their ideas.

George Mason frequently wrote that his greatest duty, responsibility and obligation was that of being a husband and a father. Mason, who never attended formal school, also prioritized education and life-long learning. A voracious reader, but also a curious and inquisitive seeker of knowledge, Mason understood the value and importance of learning and engagement.

At Gunston Hall, we facilitate experiences that are meaningful and inclusive and that nurture enthusiasm for life-long learning, that supports personal growth and professional development, and that promotes civic engagement. We also provide physically and intellectually accessible experiences, we are open to partnership and collaboration, and we seek to be inclusive of diverse populations, perspectives, and ideas.

All of our efforts to be a center of learning and engagement are driven by our commitment and promise to place children, families, and their caregivers at the center of our work. This intentional focus on our youngest citizens is foundational to creating an interconnected learning campus on our site, one that fosters and supports opportunities for curious minds to explore, discover, connect, reflect, and to express themselves and their ideas.

• Create a family friendly environment that engages young audiences and inspires a quest for life-long learning.

• Continue adult education programs and offer events that target young professionals.

• Develop user-friendly digital platforms to deliver educational and informative content to the public.

• Continue to expand and maintain the collections in compliance with the standards of the American Alliance of Museums.

• Honor the intent to present a realistic interpretation of the house and its contents as they existed during the occupancy of George Mason IV.

• Continue to develop the research, collections, and archaeology departments to maximize the collaborative synergy between these three entities.

• Invest in and improve all areas of service delivery and include a method of self evaluation.

• Evaluate admissions policies and include a method to gauge visitor satisfaction.

Ensure strong fiduciary oversight and increase and diversify the Agency's base of financial support.

Ensure strong fiduciary oversight and increase and diversify the Agency's base of financial support.

• Establish and enhance a culture fundraising.

• Increase private giving to Gunston Hall.

• Expand earned income opportunities and maximize earned income generation.

• Achieve a successful comprehensive fundraising campaign.

• Maximize opportunities for Commonwealth support.

This service area focuses on the stewardship of Gunston Hall, a 550 acre historic site featuing a vast array of diverse historical, cultural, and environmental resources.  The mansion, built by George Mason in 1755, is the preservation priority, but the historic site includes many additional resources including buildings, cemeteries, archaeological sites, and ecosystems of signfiicance.

The preservation and stewardship of Gunston Hall, including the cultural and environmental resources entrusted to its care, is a fundamental component of the organization's ability to facilitate exceptional educational experiences and drive visitation.

Provide exceptional stewardship for Gunston Hall and be recognized as a leader of preservation and conservation excellence.

Ensure Gunston Hall provides an accessible, comfortable, sustainable, and safe environment for all our stakeholders.

Ensure Gunston Hall is operating efficiently, cost-effectively, and sustainably.

Funding supports the general operation of Gunston Hall as a historic site and despite receipt of capital funds in FY 2015 for the purpose of renovating the museum / visitor center, private funds are necessary for many preservation and site stewardship initiatives at Gunston Hall.

Gunston Hall will create a dynamic mix of authentic educational experiences providing value, impact, and benefit to a diverse audience.  Educational offerings include school programs, guided tours, exhibits, public program and special events, self-guided trails, workshops and symposia, and outreach.

The mission of Gunston Hall is to stimulate continuing public exploration of democratic ideals as first expressed by George Mason in the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights and education is the organization's foremost responsibility.

Exhibits

Tours

Public Programs

Special Events

Workshops and Symposia

School Programs

Outreach

Funding supports the general development and implementation of educational programs at Gunston Hall.

Gunston Hall is commited to operational excellence and professional best practices. Reflecting this commitment, Gunston Hall is accredited by the American Alliance for Museums.

Operational excellence provides the capacity necessary for the fulfillment of Gunston Hall's mission.

Operational and financial management and stewardship.

Site stewardship.

Marketing and public relations.

Guest services.

Business enterprise.

Development.

Funding supports general operations and organizational management.