James Madison's Montpelier We The People Fall 2017 WTP_fall 2017_FINAL-rgb | Page 2

WE THE PEOPLE
FROM PRESERVATION
COMES PROGRESS
There are places across America where our history
was forged, whether in a single moment in time or
over a period spanning generations.
The diversity of these sites could not be greater.
From the earliest buildings created during the Founding Era to the sweeping
vistas of the West, shaped only by nature, stewardship of these assets enables
us to connect to our collective past and energizes our path forward into the
future. Montpelier is one of these places.
Conservation, restoration, and preservation are incredibly complex and
demanding undertakings. The symphony of resources required is immense,
especially in terms of human and financial capital. Achieving authenticity
requires engaging scholars, our members, and the general public to coalesce
around a vision that can take decades to come to fruition. The reward for
our focus and patience is priceless. Places like Montpelier transcend time,
connecting us to what brings us together as a nation. Every person who steps
foot on our grounds leaves slightly changed.
Inspired. Challenged. Motivated. Aware.
Looking back on the unprecedented launch of The Mere Distinction of Colour
exhibition this summer, I know these are also the reasons why we succeed
as a team. Looking ahead to our renewed efforts to expand the breadth
and depth of our reach in promoting the founding ideals of American
democracy, I hope you, our members, are as energized as I am about the
future. Ours is a journey to translate preservation into progress, which we
can only fulfill together.
Sincerely,
Kat Imhoff
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Montpelier Foundation
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