Gunston Hall Narrows List of Executive Director Candidates to Four

The new director should be chosen this summer.

There are four final candidates for the open executive director position at Gunston Hall Plantation in Lorton. "The process will be nearing completion this July," said Gunston Hall spokesperson Susan Blankenship. "We hope to have someone in place then."  The former home of founding father George Mason has been managed by two interim directors since the estate's Board of Regents fired executive Director David Reese last April.  The search for an executive was hindered by a state-imposed salary cap (about $80,000 per year) that was lifted this year when Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell included a provision in his budget to allow the salary to be increased with private donations. So, how much will the new director be paid?  "It's going to be …

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Meet Patrick Ladden, Gunston Hall's New Interim Director

The new temporary boss at Gunston Hall Plantation has his hands full.

Patrick Ladden, who was named interim-Director of the 550-acre home of founding father George Mason in September, will lead the organization into the spring, and, perhaps, summer months as the Board of Regents hires his full-time replacement.  "My intention is to stay at Gunston Hall for a brief period, until a replacement is here," Ladden told Patch from his office. "We can't continue to accept that lower attendance is the norm, and the way to do that is through more programming, better programming and better outreach to schools. And I'd say we're already doing a fantastic job of preservation here. That mansion is fantastic, and this property is beautiful." Ladden, who currently teaches museum management at the Corcoran College of Art and…

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Lorton Weekend Planner

Lorton Weekend Planner: Fire Trucks, LEGO and the County Fair

Where we tell you what's on the docket this weekend

Patch has found a variety of events for you to choose from as you make your weekend plans. 2012 Judith Lapple Summer Woodwind Showcase Concert Ghost Trackers at Cabell’s Mill Evening Star Café Anniversary Celebration 64th Annual Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Farm Show Friendship Firehouse Festival Plantation Sleuth: Architecture Antics Carlyle Housewarming: “A Fine Beginning” Tavern Day Raagalahari – Concert by Mani Sharma BrickFair LEGO Fan Festival Free Concerts: Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series Performances: Library Events: Nature Highlights:  

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