WE THE PEOPLE
Why do you believe unrestricted giving is so important ?
If you want to support an institution , you have to support its ongoing programs , you have to support its annual budget , you have to leave it to the people who run the organization to determine how best to use those funds . If you try to restrict it from afar and say it can only be used to decorate this room , to me that ’ s a mistake . If you trust the organization , you should trust the leadership to determine the most effective way to put the money to use . I can only think of one instance when we ’ ve restricted the use of funds we ’ ve contributed .
Why do think it ’ s important today for Americans to understand the story of the Constitution ?
I think a re-emphasis on Madisonian approaches — compromise , respect for the Constitution , restraint of power , appreciation for other branches of government — is very , very important . Particularly because we have for the first time in a long time one party in charge of both houses of Congress and the Presidency . I realize that institutions like Montpelier should remain as neutral as possible with respect to politics , but I also think it ’ s important that the example of Madison and the example of the story of how the Constitution came about is appreciated by the people . Perhaps we can even get our new President to Montpelier . It might help in a number of ways .
Cornell Foundation Trustee Richard M . Ader pictured with his wife , Tessa .
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
We are excited to announce updated membership benefits as a thanks to all whose support allows us to continue archaeological research , provide civic education , and keep Montpelier ’ s mission alive for all who visit our property . Members of Montpelier will enjoy unlimited admission to the House , priority access to public programs , a discount in our Museum Shop and more . Visit our website to see about becoming a member today !
What do you tell people about Montpelier ?
I recently had a business visitor from Boston and I brought him to Montpelier and he really didn ’ t know anything about it . We took the drive up there and it was an enjoyable time and he learned a lot . It ’ s an easy place to visit . The Visitor Center is friendly and inviting . The mansion is easy to get through . It ’ s so beautiful . The area around it . The views to the west from the steps . It ’ s so representative of rural Virginia in its day . It ’ s just a wonderful , wonderful place to visit .
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