Restoration department staff and architectural historians Orlando Ridout and Willie Graham study a furnace at the Distillery

Mount Vernon's restoration department combines archaeology with architectural conservation to ensure that both the buildings and grounds are preserved as George Washington intended.

The Associate Director for Preservation coordinates all activities in the department and oversees larger preservation issues for Mount Vernon. The Associate Director is also responsible for all reconstructions undertaken at Mount Vernon. From the challenge of building a 16-sided treading barn, to rebuilding a stercorary, or finding the right log for the hurst frame at the Gristmill, the Associate Director ensures that these projects are as close to their 18th-century counterparts as possible.

Archaeologists work within the restoration department supervising the ongoing program of excavation and research into the underground remains of Washington's 18th-century plantation. Excavations at sites as diverse as the House for Families slave quarter, a trash dump behind the kitchen and Washington's distillery are redefining ideas of what daily life at Mount Vernon was like and how the plantation operated.

Architectural Conservators seek to maintain the historic fabric of Mount Vernon's Mansion and outbuildings. They are primarily concerned with restoring the architectural elements like the Palladian window or cupola, restoring buildings like the servants' hall to their 18th-century appearance and conducting research on the original paint colors or graining techniques.

Restoration Staff Contacts

Dennis J. Pogue, PhD
Associate Director for Preservation
(703) 799-8625

Esther C. White, PhD
Director of Archaeology
(703) 799-8626

Steven Mallory
Manager of Restoration
(703) 799-5223