James Rees joined the Mount Vernon staff in the mid1980s. Before his appointment as president, he served as director of development and communications, assistant director, and acting director.
New Buildings
The highlight of Rees’s time at Mount Vernon was the opening of the Ford Orientation Center and Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center in 2006. Visitors now had the opportunity to view a film to help orient themselves before moving into the historic area. After visiting the Mansion and outbuildings, visitors could move into the Museum and Education Center, which contains hundreds of artifacts within 25 galleries and theaters.1 Another major building project completed under Rees was a new retail and restaurant complex with dining options and an auditorium for lectures and concerts.2 The organization also announced the building of the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington which would open after Rees left. However, he oversaw raising $85 million of the $100 million needed to complete the project.3
Restoration Work
Rees saw to the expansion of the historic area of the estate. Restoration work was completed on the Servants’ Hall, Bowling Green, Dung Repository, and West Gate Porters’ Lodges.4 The Greenhouse Slave Quarters were also reworked to include the Shoemaker’s Shop, Stove Room, and separated sleeping areas for women and men.5 A replica Blacksmith Shop was built on its original location.6 The largest preservation project Rees oversaw was the restoration of George Washington’s Gristmill.7 Then, after extensive archaeological research, a replica of Washington’s Distillery opened next to the Gristmill on its original location.8 Also added was the Pioneer Farm, which included reconstructions of Washington’s 16-Sided Barn and a Slave Cabin.9
New tours were introduced, including some specifically designed for children. Another new tour focused on life as an enslaved person at Mount Vernon.10 Audio tours also became available under Rees. During the summers history came to life in the Hands-On History Tent for children.11
Jeanette Patrick
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Past Directors
Mount Vernon's Past Directors
The past directors of Mount Vernon shared the same goal, to preserve and restore the estate and to educate people about George Washington’s life. However, they all went about it, in different ways.
Museum and Education Center
Visit the Museum and Education Center to view the fascinating array of Mount Vernon artifacts and learn more about George Washington.
Learn moreNotes
1 Annual Report of the Council of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union 2006 (Mount Vernon, VA: The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 2007) 7.
2 Annual Report of the Council of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union 1999 (Mount Vernon, VA: The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 2000) 6.
3 Annual Report of the Council of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union 2012 (Mount Vernon, VA: The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 2013) 7.
4 Annual Report 1999, 13. And Annual Report of the Council of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union 2001 (Mount Vernon, VA: The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 2002) 8. And Annual Report of the Council of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union 2009 (Mount Vernon, VA: The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 2010) 15.
5 Annual Report of the Council of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union 2010 (Mount Vernon, VA: The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 2011) 19.
6 Annual Report of the Council of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union 2009 (Mount Vernon, VA: The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 2010) 13.
7 Annual Report of the Council of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union 2002 (Mount Vernon, VA: The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 2003) 7.
8 Annual Report 2007, 11.
9 Annual Report of the Council of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union 1996 (Mount Vernon, VA: The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 1997) 6. And Annual Report 2007, 11.
10 Annual Report of the Council of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union 1995 (Mount Vernon, VA: The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 1996) 2.
11 Annual Report of the Council of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union 1997 (Mount Vernon, VA: The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 1998) 5.