James Madison's Montpelier We The People Fall 2017 WTP_fall 2017_FINAL-rgb | Page 5

FALL 2017
ENGAGING THE PUBLIC
Montpelier’s mission is to engage the public “with the enduring legacy of Madison’s most powerful
idea: government by the people.” We use the House and grounds, the historic buildings, the tours and
exhibitions, and the active archaeological sites to fulfill that mission. Through public-facing events like
Constitution Day, Homeschool Day, and the Holiday Open House; public archaeology expedition
programs; House and walking tours that focus on topics ranging from Madison and the Constitution,
to slavery and sites of the enslaved community, to the women of Montpelier; and the Robert H. Smith
Center for the Constitution, Montpelier provides experiences that will appeal to and engage visitors of
all ages and strata.
House Tours Walking Tours Archaeology Tours
A House tour is just one of
many activities for visitors at
Montpelier. Ticketed visitation
for calendar year 2017 increased
9 percent from 2016! Montpelier offers several
walking tours, like the annual
interpreter-led “We the People”
walk on the Montpelier Loop
Trail that attracted 90 hikers on
Constitution Day. The “Dig It!” tour gives visitors
an opportunity for hands-on
exploration of the ongoing
excavations and analysis being
conducted by Montpelier’s
Archaeology staff.
KEEPING MONTPELIER RUNNING SMOOTHLY
FRONT AND CENTER AND BEHIND THE SCENES
Bill Bichell,
Director of Facilities
As the Director of Facilities, Bill oversees Montpelier’s 2,650 acres to ensure
they remain pristine for all of our visitors to see. The department collaborates
heavily with Archaeology and Preservation to support their efforts, ensuring
that any maintenance work conforms with particular standards. Bill cites
the adaptive re-use of a duPont kennel to a public restroom facility as a
noteworthy project for his team, explaining that not only does its viewing deck
provide an interpretive link between the House, Lewis Hall, Claude Moore
Hall, and Constitutional Village, the creative efforts among the Facilities,
Curatorial, Preservation, and Education departments were applauded by
NTHP representatives. Upcoming projects include upgrading Montpelier’s
security system, installing EV charging stations, and water and sewer projects,
b ut with over 2,600 acres and more than 100 buildings, the list never ends!
On your next visit to Montpelier, take a moment to appreciate all the Facilities
team’s hard work that ensures visitors will have a memorable experience.
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