For Immediate Release
March 27, 2008
Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Historic Mount Vernon today announced that Carol Borchert Cadou has been hired as an Associate Director of the Estate and Director of Collections. Ms. Cadou will lead the team responsible for managing, preserving, and exhibiting the collection of approximately 30,000 objects owned by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the preservation organization that operates George Washington’s home. Ms. Cadou has served as the Robert H. Smith Senior Curator since 2006 and has worked in a curatorial capacity at Mount Vernon since 1999.
Ms. Cadou oversees the historical accuracy and interpretation of all historic spaces at Mount Vernon in addition to providing for the exhibition, management, growth and care of the diverse collection of Washington and Washington-related objects. She recently led the planning and development of the exhibition concepts and content for the Donald W. Reynolds Museum, six new museum galleries which opened at Mount Vernon in 2006. Her 303-page book, The George Washington Collection: Fine and Decorative Arts at Mount Vernon, was published to coincide with the grand opening of the museum.
“Carol’s knowledge of the decorative arts in 18th century America is incredibly impressive,” said James C. Rees, executive director of Mount Vernon. “But what is more important is her keen understanding of the taste and style of George Washington. Under Carol’s leadership, I think you’ll see our collections used in much more creative ways, and we’ll reach a much wider audience.”
“One of my top priorities will be to provide better public access to the rich collections owned by Mount Vernon – from maps and manuscripts to porcelains and personal accessories,” said Cadou. “We hope that creating online and changing exhibitions will provide our visitors with a better understanding of George Washington.”
Ms. Cadou came to George Washington’s historic home in 1999 from the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, where she served as Curator for the Maryland State Art Collection. Previously, she was Curator of Education and Interpretation at the Historic Charleston Foundation. Ms. Cadou holds a Master of Arts degree from the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College.
Historic Mount Vernon employs 575 employees. There are six Associate Directors who oversee the departments of Collections, Development, Education, Guest Services, Preservation, and Public Affairs. The Executive Director supervises all Associate Directors, the Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer.
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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.
Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org
Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America. Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853. A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital.
Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission rates: adults, $13.00; senior citizens, $12.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $6.00; and children under age 5, FREE. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.
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