Earlier this month, on the 21st anniversary of 9/11, we were excited to receive two distinguished guests, former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence on their first visit to Montpelier. 

Warmly welcomed by our staff, the Pences toured the home of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. Led by one of our knowledgeable interpretive guides, the tour included a stop in the upstairs library where the Pences experienced Montpelier’s famous power of place. It was in that room where Madison prepared for the 1787 Constitutional Convention, formulating the ideas that became the foundation of the US Constitution.

Concluding their visit at the Madison cemetery, the former Vice President and his wife met with The Montpelier Foundation Chairman James French and Interim President and CEO Elizabeth Chew. The Vice President said that he came to Montpelier to pay homage to James Madison because he was inspired by Madison to support the peaceful transfer of power. Montpelier’s leadership and staff were impressed by the Vice President’s reverence for the place and the legacy of James Madison, which so many work daily to preserve. 

The Pences described the profound impact Montpelier -  the house and the grounds - had on them both.

During their visit, the Pences informed our staff that they had long sought to visit Montpelier. They even asked a guide to snap a photo of them in front of the Madisons' home. 

In the days following his visit, Mr. Pence expressed on social media and again in a personal letter to the Foundation how inspiring he found his time with us. The note also thanked our staff for their hospitality and for the important work we do to preserve Madison’s legacy. We greatly appreciate his kind words.