James Madison's Montpelier We The People Spring 2014 | Page 2

WE THE PEOPLE
2

LETTER

FROM THE

PRESIDENT

At long last, spring has arrived and with it enthusiasm for an exciting 2014 agenda.
We began the year with another important milestone: the opening of James Madison’s library on
Presidents’ Day. After Madison’s death, his books were widely dispersed, and in recent years, our
curatorial staff has been conducting groundbreaking research to understand and reassemble this
important American library more than 160 years later. We hope you will enjoy learning more about
this project and invite you to visit us to experience the library firsthand.
Later this year, we will mark the 200th anniversary of the burning of Washington during
the War of 1812 and commemorate James and Dolley Madison’s leadership during this early
national crisis. In collaboration with the White House Historical Association and the U.S.
Capitol Historical Society, The Montpelier Foundation will host “America Under Fire,” a two-day
symposium at historic Decatur House in Washington on September 3-4, 2014, with leading
scholars from across the nation to further explore and consider how the war helped forge
American identity.
Montpelier has an impressive track record and a mission that extends far beyond Virginia.
Now is a transformative moment in our history. As I move into my second year as president of
this important cultural treasure, I feel a tremendous sense of urgency to accelerate Montpelier’s
increasing trajectory and further secure the Madison legacy, expand Montpelier as an
educational resource, and protect this historic national asset for current and future generations. 
Your ideas and involvement are welcome.
Thank you for your support, and please come see us soon. Spring in Virginia is glorious. 
Best regards,

Kat Imhoff
President and CEO