Petri to Lead Mount Vernon’s Efforts for Two Milestone Celebrations: The 250th Anniversary of the United States and George Washington’s 300th Birthday
Mount Vernon, VA, October 22, 2024 – Anne “Dede” Neal Petri of Wisconsin today was elected to serve as the 24th Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA). Under Petri’s leadership, the MVLA will undertake strategic planning to prepare for two milestone celebrations: the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 and George Washington’s 300th birthday in 2032. Petri will also be at the helm for the completion of the historic Mansion Revitalization Project and the extensive refresh of Mount Vernon’s Education Center, both of which will ensure George Washington’s Mount Vernon continues to inspire and educate future generations about the nation’s first president.
“The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association has the critical role of keeping George Washington ‘first in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen,’” Petri said. “By expanding educational outreach, fostering a deeper appreciation of our history, and preparing for the upcoming milestones celebrations, we will position Mount Vernon as a beacon of preservation and inspiration for all Americans.”
A photograph of Petri is available here and should be credited to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Petri graduated from Harvard College with an A.B. in American History and Literature and received her J.D. from Harvard Law School. Throughout her distinguished career, Petri has served as general counsel for the National Endowment for the Humanities, co-founder and president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, and president of the Garden Club of America. She currently serves as President and CEO of the Olmsted Network where she led the Olmsted Bicentennial celebration.
A Vice Regent since 2004, Petri is the second Regent to hail from the state of Wisconsin. Mrs. Lucien M. Hanks, the Association’s seventh Regent, took the helm in 1943.
Petri succeeds Margaret Hartman Nichols of Maine, whose historic tenure included the landmark “Strengthening our Foundations” fundraising campaign, a U.S. presidential visit, and the commencement of two major initiatives to revitalize the Mansion and the educational exhibit on George Washington.
“I continue to be amazed and inspired by my predecessor Regents and Vice Regents who served this important historic site,” Petri said. “The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association holds a distinct honor in history as the first national patriotic women's organization. The opportunity to build on that legacy is exciting and invigorating, and I look forward to working with the other members of the board as we shape Mount Vernon’s future and plan for two historic celebrations.”
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. The estate is open every day of the year to visitors.
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