American Legacy Campaign

Marines paying their respect to James Madison in front of his burial monument

Marines in front of James Madison's obelisk at Montpelier.
Photography by Michael Remorenko

On November 6, 2004, the Montpelier Foundation announced the public launch of a $60 million comprehensive campaign to establish Montpelier as a national monument to James Madison, Father of the Constitution and fourth U.S. President. Through the American Legacy Campaign, the Montpelier Foundation will:

Restore the Montpelier mansion to Madison's time, enabling visitors to enter the world of James and Dolley Madison and directly experience his presence, ideas, and accomplishments.

Establish the Center for the Constitution at Montpelier, designed to be the country's leading resource on Constitutional education and the legacy of James Madison.

Construct a new state-of-the-art Visitor Center, Gateway onto Montpelier grounds, and museum depicting Montpelier's history as the 20th-century estate of William duPont Sr., and his daughter, Marion duPont Scott.

Create endowments to maintain the restored mansion, Visitor Center Complex, and scholarships for educators attending the Center for the Constitution; and

Provide crucial operating support during Montpelier's transition to becoming a nationally renowned historic site.

For a more complete presentation on the Campaign, see the American Legacy Campaign (1 Mb file).

The estate of Paul Mellon has provided $20 million toward the campaign, one of the largest gifts ever made to an historic home. The Save America's Treasure program of the National Park Service has made a grant of $1 million for the restoration. Gifts and commitments to date total approximately $46 million. Montpelier has established a number of options for individuals interested in giving to the American Legacy Campaign.

Notable Quotes

"This campaign will allow us to preserver the legacy of James Madison at Montpelier. Madison's work as chief architect of the Constitution laid the foundation for the creation of the American Republic, and we intend to make Montpelier a monument commensurate his contribution to the nation."
—William Lewis, Chairman, Board of Directors, The Montpelier Foundation

"The American Legacy Camapign will ensure that the magnificent contribution of James Madison to the nation's founding is duly recognized, and in a way that communicates to succeeding generations his greatest legacy—our Constitution and Bill of Rights. It is a privilege to join with others so committed to carrying our Campaign's message across America."
—Hunter R. Rawlings III, National Campaign Chair and President Emeritus of Cornell University

"Montpelier has long been recognized as one of the great historic homes of America. The American Legacy campaign will help strengthen Montpelier's place as a natinonal monument to Madison's lasting impact on the country. The National Trust is proud to be associated with the unprecedented restoration of Montpelier and strongly supports the efforts of The Montpelier Foundation to ensure the preservation of this important site."
—Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation