Politics & Government

Albo, Puller Propose Legislation to Tighten Administration of Gunston Hall

Take our poll: Will this fix perceived problems? Proposal spells out specifics on management, appointment of director

It was about this time last year when the director of Gunston Hall, David Reese, set off a firestorm when he

The place hasn't been the same since. Last year, a group of Gunston Hall volunteers, led by former Del. Jim Dillard, during the legislative session and spoke with state Sen. Linda "Toddy" Puller (D-36th District) and Del. Dave Albo (R-42nd District) about concerns they had regarding the management of Gunston Hall.

After much hand-wringing last year over how administration of the historic property is handled, including a packed town hall-style meeting, the two state lawmakers have stepped in this week to propose legislation that may tighten the way the historic home and site are managed.

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Puller and Albo have filed proposed legislation that spells out specifics on running the property. The 2012 session started on Wednesday in Richmond.

The proposed legislation filed this week spells out that the Board of Regents (chosen by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America), Board of Visitors and Board of Advisors must work together to help manage Gunston Hall.

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

(Last year, the Board of Regents "disinvited" the Board of Advisors to a meeting they usually attend. See a story from last year about that .)

The Board of Visitors, made up of three people appointed by the governor, are, as the bill describes: "by their education, training, or experience, knowledgeable in the fields of history, museum administration, fundraising, and education or outreach."

Previous Board of Visitors members, whose terms expired in September, were Kevin Gentry of Fairfax, Penelope Payne of D.C. and Timothy Sargeant of Fairfax Station.

The bill also emphasizes that any administrative head of Gunston Hall "shall be appointed by the Governor to serve at his pleasure. The administrative head shall protect and further the interests of the Commonwealth as set out in the deed of gift and the laws of this chapter."

It's uncertain whether the Board of Regents will work with the governor on future appointments. Some volunteers, and especially Dillard, were calling for the ouster of the current director.

The proposed legislation spells out administration of Gunston Hall. It includes:

Gunston Hall Board of Visitors duties:

  • Examine by Nov. 15 each year, report to the Governor and the General Assembly on the Board of Regents and the manner in which Gunston Hall is managed and supervised. 
  • The Board of Visitors, with the input from the Board of Regents, Gunston Hall staff and employees, and interested members of the surrounding community, prepare a long-term plan and examine the extent to which the Board of Regents maintains the capacity to fulfill such plan. 
  • The Board of Visitors will meet at least four times each year at Gunston Hall, at least one time within standard hours of operation to observeeducational tours and outreach initiatives.
  • The Board of Visitors will appoint a seven-member Board of Advisors, one of whom will be the president of George Mason University or his designee and one of whom will be a resident of Mason Neck. All appointments are for terms of four years, except appointments to fill unexpired vacancies shall be for the remainder of the unexpired terms and the term of the president of George Mason University will be coincident with his office.
  • The initial terms of the members of the Board of Advisors appointed pursuant to this act shall be staggered as follows: three members appointed to a term of four years; two members appointed to a term of three years, and one member appointed to a term of two years. Afterward, the terms of members will be four years.

Gunston Hall Board of Advisors duties:

  • Report, annually and by July 1, to the Board of Visitors on the following:

1. The performance of Gunston Hall in meeting its mission and purpose, as set out in the deed of gift by Louis Hertle, to honor the principles of just government and civic righteousness exemplified in the life and work of George Mason with the hope and expectation that such a memorial will serve to strengthen the adherence of all who may visit the memorial to the fundamental views on governmental and social obligations and privileges expressed in the declaration of rights;

2. The adequacy of Gunston Hall administration in representing the Commonwealth's interests to educate the general public regarding the significance and influence of George Mason for his unique contribution to the universal cause of human rights;

3. The provision of access, activities, and experiences for students in the Commonwealth and the coordination of such access, activities, and experiences with the Standards of Learning;

4. The availability and range of historically accurate, interactive, high-quality educational tours and experiences, seminars, and outreach initiatives offered to students, educators, researchers, and the general public; and

5. Long-term planning and budget matters affecting such issues described in this section.

Have an opinion about Gunston Hall? Share it in the Comments box or send an e-mail to: maryann.barton@patch.com


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here