Questions surround management of George Mason’s former home

Supporters of George Mason’s former home, Gunston Hall Estate, are questioning the historic landmark’s future after the dismissal of the sites long time education coordinator in late January.

Gunston Hall has long since been a museum open to visitors that is run by a group of six permanent staffers, the Board of Advisors, the Board of Regents, and two volunteer groups known as the docents and the Gunstonians.

The education coordinator, Denise McHugh, was originally told by Director of Gunston Hall, David Reese that she would have two months to finish out the remainder of her projects. But her office was found locked and her e-mail account was closed the Monday after she was told the position was no longer available due to budget cuts.

Reese simultaneously upset some museum volunteers, while gaining support from others. In an effort to better understand the conflict plaguing Gunston Hall, Virginia Secretary of Education Gerard Robinson held an open forum March 1. At the forum, Reese said historic sites are under a lot of pressure financially due to the current economic situation.

However, many volunteers fear the financial pressure Gunston Hall faces is due to mismanagement, and not the economy. Volunteers say there has been more of an emphasis on school visits and a decline in weddings and other large parties at Gunston Hall. The volunteers say Weddings bring in more revenue than school visits. However, Reese maintains that weddings and other large parties cost more than the revenue they bring in because of the catering and maintenance costs associated with those events. Reese also said Weddings are not in the main mission of Gunston Hall.

The question and answer session at the March 1 meeting revealed just how much is in dispute over the management and direction of Gunston Hall. There is a distinct dichotomy between those who support Reese’s plans for Gunston Hall and those who are opposed. Several different groups have a vested interest in this historic site. Some of which include, the Board of Advisors and the Board of Regents.

In a public statement, Reese said his plans for Gunston Hall include restoring the mansion’s gardens. He said, “Gunston Hall’s troupe of living history players, the Gunstonians, continue to perform at special events.  Although some troupe members have expressed reservations about recent administrative decisions at Gunston, many more members have confirmed their intention to continue to perform at the site.”  Reese also said, “There has been no hiatus in Gunston Hall’s tour program, for either adults or school children.  The Gunston Hall Docents Association has provided tours for 557 students in the month of February.”