The Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association acts as the head of the organization. She serves a term of three years with the possibility of an extension. The Regent is elected from within by her fellow Vice Regents.
Ann Pamela Cunningham
founder and First Regent 1853-1874
Ann Pamela Cunningham made it her mission to preserve Mount Vernon after her mother wrote a letter regarding the poor condition of the Mansion. Her establishment of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association put into motion America's historic-preservation movement.
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Lily Macalester Berghmans Laughton
regent 1874-1891
Lily Macalester Berghmans Laughton started as the Vice Regent for Pennsylvania and was later chosen to succeed Ann Pamela Cunningham. She would frequently attend auctions in order to purchase pieces to be featured at Mount Vernon.
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Justine Van Rensselaer Townsend
Regent 1891-1909
During her time as Regent, Justine Townsend funded and oversaw projects such as the dining room's ceiling restoration. When the Mount Vernon Railway was opened, the estate began to receive an increasing number of tourists.
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Harriet Clayton Comegys
Regent 1909-1927
Harriet Clayton Comegys was responsible for the publishing of George Washington's diaries, removing the relic display cases from the Mansion, and securing the services of the estate's horticulturalist.
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Alice King Richards
Regent 1927-1936
During the bicentennial celebration and increased visitation by automobile, Alice King Richards saw a large increase in visitors to Mount Vernon. She also maintained the infrastructure of the house and opened the lower garden to the public.
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Harriet Cole Towner
regent 1937-1942
In her first year as Regent, Harriet Cole Towner released a booklet titled The Mount Vernon Library on the history of Washington’s library. She also welcomed famous dignitaries during the beginning of World War II.
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Mary Vilas Hanks
Regent 1943-1948
Due to World War II, many of Mount Vernon's male employees left to enlist. This, however, allowed women to fill many roles at the estate they had never held. Despite the hardships of the war, Mary Vilas Hanks was able to bring many Washington artifacts back to Mount Vernon.
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Hope Powel Harkness
regent 1948-1958
Hope Powel Harkness oversaw the reconstruction of the greenhouse and slave-quarters complex, which incorporates bricks from the White House. With a growing number of school groups touring the Mansion, there was also a shift of focus towards educating children.
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Rosamond Randall Beirne
regent 1958-1968
Before becoming Regent, Rosamond Randall Beirne was actively involved in creating scholarships and preserving the view of the Potomac River shore. She also authored two books on Maryland history and architecture.
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Elizabeth Throckmorton Cooke
regent 1968-1976
Elizabeth Throckmorton Cooke was an artist, poet, playwright, gardener, and political activist—but she is best remembered for being a preservationist. The highlight of her tenure was when she accepted the French government's bicentennial tribute to the United States.
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Frances Claiborne Guy
regent 1976-1982
Frances Claiborne Guy was able to oversee many projects during her tenure, including the kickoff of a capital campaign and the investigation of the Mansion's interior paint color. The Association also constructed a new memorial at the African American Burial Ground.
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Helen Sharp Anderson
regent 1982-1986
Helen Sharp Anderson oversaw the restoration of historic paint colors in the Mansion, the archaeological study of Mount Vernon, and the installation of a new lighting system. After raising over $11 million through the capital campaign, Mount Vernon welcomed many upgrades.
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Eugenia Merrill Seamans
regent 1986-1990
Eugenia Merrill Seamans had the honor of bringing the key to the Bastille to France for display during Bastille Day bicentennial celebrations. She also welcomed King Hussein of Jordan to Mount Vernon.
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Mabel Livingstone Bishop
regent 1990-1993
Mabel Livingstone Bishop of Oregon was the first Regent from a West Coast state. She raised funds to restore Mount Vernon’s wharf, which was rededicated during the momentous visit of Queen Elizabeth II.
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Laura Inge Morrissette
Regent 1993-1996
Laura Inge Morrissette completed two major projects that enhanced the Association’s ability to educate visitors about horticultural activities at the estate.
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Jane Carew Rice Lee
Regent 1996-1999
Jane Carew Rice Lee was perhaps best known for her leadership in the early stages of the To Keep Him First campaign, an ambitious initiative originated to raise funds to educate Mount Vernon’s visitors.
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Ellen Carroll Walton
Regent 1999-2004
Ellen Carroll Walton oversaw fundraising and planning for the new Orientation Center, Education Center, and Museum facilities, as well as the reopening of George Washington’s gristmill.
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Gay Hart Gaines
Regent 2004-2007
Gay Hart Gaines initiated a strategic planning process aimed at providing direction for the Association over the succeeding 15 years.
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Boyce Lineberger Ansley
Regent 2007-2010
In the midst of a severe recession, Boyce Lineberger Ansley oversaw several important preservation projects as well as the beginnings of a capital campaign for the establishment of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon.
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Notable Past Vice Regents
Explore the inspiring stories of notable former board members who truly made a difference in the history of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
Learn more about the Association that has worked since 1853 to preserve George Washington's home.
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