Mission, Vision & Philosophy
Mission
To preserve and interpret the home of patriot Francis Lightfoot Lee as a focus for better understanding the fields of architecture, archaeology, history, conservation and ecology.
Vision
To use Menokin and its surrounding acreage as an educational center, thus teaching professionals and inspiring citizens to become responsible stewards of the world's historic places.
Philosophy
The Foundation believes the hands-on learning process is as important as the actual historic preservation work of the home. It also considers the careful management of Menokin's 500 acres to be an important method of increasing public appreciation for natural resources. In 2005, 325 acres of our property became part of the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Read more about the conservation easement to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The National Audubon Society identified the Lower Rappahannock River, which includes the Menokin property, as an Important Bird Area. Read the ornithological summary of the Lower Rappahannock area.
Click here for our 2006 Annual Report
Core Strategies
Strategy 1 : Stabilize and conserve the existing physical fabric of Menokin and protect it from further deterioration .
Strategy 2 : Integrate hands-on learning opportunities for students and the public into all historic preservation and land conservation work conducted at Menokin.
Strategy 3 : Educate the public on the rich history of the Menokin property, with emphasis on: Francis Lightfoot Lee and his contribution to the formation of the United States; the political and social climate of 18 th century Virginia; the skilled craftsman who constructed Menokin and their building techniques; the slaves, indentured servants and laborers who shaped and worked the Menokin plantation; and the Native Americans who lived on the land.
Strategy 4 : Study and learn from the surrounding historic landscape and make the 500 acre Menokin property more accessible and visitor-friendly to the public.
Strategy 5 : Broaden and diversify our funding base.
THE MENOKIN FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES & STAFF
Officers
Mrs. W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr., President
Mrs. Martin Kirwan King, Vice-President
Mrs. Walter Speed Rowland, Secretary
Mrs. William T. Carden, Treasurer
Trustees
Thomas H. Birdsong III
C. Dudley
Brown
Russell G. Brown
Dr. Elizabeth H. Crowther
Capt. Hulon P. Fillingane, U.S. Navy (retired)
George Clemon Freeman, Jr.
John H. Guy IV
Dr. Laura Croghan Kamoie
Dr. William M. Kelso
Mrs. Martin Kirwan King
Mrs. Thomas L. Neuman
Penelope de Bordenave Saffer
Alexander Smith, Jr.
John G. Zehmer, Jr.
Honorary Trustees
Calder Loth
The Honorable Harry T. Taliaferro III
D. Anderson Williams
Executive Director
Sarah Dillard Pope
Assistant Director
Beth A. Reavis
Public Outreach & Education Coordinator
Kerry S. Garrett