Letter to the Editor: From Gunston Hall's First Regent

Wylie Raab is the First Regent of Gunston Hall. The Regents set policy at the home of George Mason. The letter below has not been edited. In it, Mrs. Raab references the held by the Secretary of Education Gerard Robinson on March 1 that occurred in light of community concerns over the termination of the position of education coordinator.

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On March 1st we heard many impassioned voices, which I am sure represent a fraction of those who would wish to have spoken.  It is a tribute to George Mason and to Gunston Hall that citizens feel so strongly, and that your commitment to perpetuating his legacy inspires so much emotion.

Earlier in the day I heard the comment that it is remarkable the extent to which individuals representing different relationships with Gunston Hall (volunteers, staff, regents), develop a sense of personal ownership.  I know this to be true.  The greatest tribute we could pay Col. Mason would be to match his dedication with our own, by melding our common devotion into a unified, interactive effort.

We regents were listening carefully to your concerns, doubts, outrage, accusations, and hope.  We, too, want Gunston Hall to be the best it can be, accessible to the greatest possible number of interested citizens, and offering the finest experience you and we can provide.

While it is complicated to explain our ongoing financial challenges … or the effort required to raise more than 2/3 of the funds needed to meet our annual costs … or that the notorious $5,000 cited figure represents a percentage amount voluntarily returned to the Commonwealth in exchange for the promise of a reduced cut later this year, I can only promise you that we would have no conceivable reason to deceive you about our finances.

But the single greatest concern we heard over and over is that the efforts of so many dedicated volunteers cannot work best without a structured system in place.  It is an honest and valid argument which the Board will address as we analyze the future of our entire education program at Gunston Hall.

We are indebted to you for your service, your dedication to education, your love of Gunston Hall, and your eagerness to fight for what you believe is in her best interest.  I thank you for that and promise you that we will work very hard to incorporate your experience and input as we look toward more cohesive days ahead.

Sincerely,

Wylie Raab

PA Regent