25th Anniversary of The Montpelier Foundation

For our silver anniversary we are looking at all The Montpelier Foundation has accomplished in the last 25 years!

25th Anniversary of The Montpelier Foundation

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Co-Stewardship with National Trust of Historic Preservation

Even though Montpelier opened to the public in 1987 as a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, it was only in 2000 that The Montpelier Foundation was established to operate Montpelier in Co-stewardship with NTHP. In 2000, the Trust transferred stewardship of Montpelier to TMF through a long-term lease and other agreements, which paved the way for the restoration of the historic home as it was created by James and Dolley Madison. In writing her will, Marion duPont concluded that “it is appropriate” that the mansion should be restored “in such a manner as to conform as nearly as possible with the architectural pattern which existed when . . . owned and occupied by President Madison.” After her death in 1983, her heirs transferred ownership to the NTHP in 1984, as she desired.

Living Flag

On March 16, 2001, after months of staff planning and making necessary school contacts, about 2,500 elementary-grade children from nearby schools created a “Living-Flag” on Montpelier’s front lawn for James Madison’s birthday.

Center for the Constitution

The Center for the Constitution, founded in 2002, promotes excellence in teaching, understanding, and appreciation of American constitutional principles and honors the legacy of James Madison through educational seminars and other programming at Montpelier.

The Center also produces the podcast “Consider the Constitution”. The show provides insight into constitutional issues that directly affect every American. Hosted by Dr. Katie Crawford-Lackey the podcast features interviews with constitutional scholars, policy and subject matter experts, heritage professionals, and legal practitioners. You can find this show on Spotify and ApplePodcasts.

Restoration of the Montpelier Mansion back to its Madison Era

In writing her will, Marion duPont concluded that “it is appropriate” that the mansion should be restored “in such a manner as to conform as nearly as possible with the architectural pattern which existed when . . . owned and occupied by President Madison.” After her death in 1983, her heirs transferred ownership to the NTHP in 1984, as she desired. The restoration process lasted from 2003-2008.

Sepia-toned illustration of a large, two-story mansion with four columns, a central entrance, and people on the front steps and balcony. — October 12, 1818: Baroness Anne Marguérite Hyde de Neuville painted this watercolor while visiting the Madisons. One hundred ninety years later, Montpelier was restored to the home James and Dolley Madison created and loved.

A large, light pink mansion with white columns and boarded windows, surrounded by orange construction fencing and trees without leaves. — 2004: Restoration Begins

A large, two-story mansion with columns and a boarded-up section on the right side, surrounded by trees and construction barriers. — 2004: Second-Floor South Wing Addition Removed

A historic mansion covered in scaffolding and protective sheeting, undergoing exterior restoration work, with green lawn in the foreground. — 2005: Roof Removed, Column Bases Restored

A large brick house with columns is under renovation, with scaffolding, construction materials, and a work truck visible in front and to the side. — 2006: Roof Completed

A large brick mansion with four tall white columns at the entrance, a triangular pediment, and red curtains covering the lower steps. — 2006: Major Exterior Work Completed

A large brick mansion with white columns, a portico, and symmetrical wings, set against a background of trees and a blue sky with scattered clouds. — 2008: Portico Steps and Chinese Rail Completed

Large red-brick historic mansion with white columns, green shutters, and a symmetrical facade, surrounded by trees and a white picket fence. — 2009: Fence, Carriage Road, and Shutters Restored

Gilmore Cabin

Gilmore Cabin stands as the first preserved and interpreted freedman’s home in the United States. At the urging of the descendants of George Gilmore, the Montpelier Foundation stabilized the home, and began working closely with the Gilmore family to carefully investigate and restore the cabin to its original appearance. The restoration work of the modest but important structure was carried out by the same craftsmen who restored the home James and Dolley Madison. The cabin opened to the public in 2005.

The Gilmore Cabin at James Madison’s Montpelier is a part of the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network.

An old, weathered log cabin with a covered porch, surrounded by leafless trees and a rustic wooden fence, stands in a grassy yard. — Photo of Gilmore Cabin by Ida Gilmore Mills courtesy of Alfred and Debra Mills.

The Gilmore Cabin. Jenn Glass. The Montpelier Foundation.

Centrally located a half-day drive or less from major cities along the East Coast, Orange County offers the best of Virginia nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here you can explore the country’s rich past and savor its future in the same day, or make it a leisurely weekend getaway! Orange is conveniently located 20 miles from Charlottesville, VA; 60 miles from Richmond, VA; 70 miles from Washington, DC; and 160 miles from Norfolk, VA.

25th Anniversary of The Montpelier Foundation