John Harbour

Harbour established new departments and positions, to improve the management of the organization. He created the Education, Research, and Development and Communications departments. He also created the assistant director position, which managed Operations and Maintenance, Security, Shop, and Mount Vernon Inn. Harbor directly oversaw the remaining departments, which included Education, Curatorial, Library, Research, and Business and Personnel. Through these changes, Harbour expected to “more effectively manage the daily affairs of the Association.”³

Education 

Harbour hired a director of education to oversee the newly created Education Department and the expansion of education programs. The department began developing programs specifically for school groups. New programs were not only for children but adults as well, including a guided tour that focused on Washington’s family life.⁴

Archaeology

The archaeology program became an integral part of Mount Vernon under Harbour’s leadership. In addition to continuing digging at the site of the House for Families, the sites of the Blacksmith Shop and Upper Garden where studied. While excavating the House for Families and North Grove thousands of artifacts were discovered which helped shed light on this part of the estate’s history.⁵

Fundraising

Harbour continued the organization’s focus on fundraising. The first annual fundraiser was held during his tenure. Two giving programs were introduced, the Friends of Mount Vernon and the Mount Vernon One Hundred. Included as part of these membership group were a variety of exclusive benefits.⁶

Jeanette Patrick
George Washington's Mount Vernon