About Gunston Hall
Where history, ideas, and legacy come to life.
Explore the home of George Mason Founding Father, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, and an often-overlooked architect of American liberty. Gunston Hall invites you to step into the past and experience the people, place, and principles that helped shape our nation.
Our Mission
To stimulate the exploration and understanding of principles expressed by George Mason in the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights
Who Was George Mason?
George Mason (1725–1792) was a planter, politician, and intellectual force behind American independence. Best known for authoring the Virginia Declaration of Rights, Mason’s ideas on personal freedoms helped inspire the U.S. Bill of Rights.
Despite his influence, Mason refused to sign the Constitution—believing it lacked sufficient protections for individual liberties. His principles continue to influence debates on justice and human rights today.
The Estate
Gunston Hall, completed in 1759, stands as a prime example of Georgian architecture blended with Rococo interiors. The home and its surrounding grounds include:
- The historic mansion
- Formal gardens and riverside trails
- A reconstructed kitchen and outbuildings
- An award-winning visitor center and museum exhibits
In the 1930s, Louis Hertle, then owner of Gunston Hall, began considering ways to preserve this historic property. It was the wish of his late wife, Eleanor Daughaday Hertle, that Gunston Hall become a memorial to George Mason. Mr. Hertle believed this could be established through the joint efforts of the Commonwealth of Virginia (Commonwealth) and The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA). In 1932, the Commonwealth formally accepted the gift of Gunston Hall which was to be administered by a Board of Regents chosen by the NSCDA. Mr. Hertle continued to live on the property until his death in 1949, at which time the property formally changed hands. Shortly thereafter, the house was opened to the public with a resident director living upstairs and restoration work being done on the first floor. After several years of preparation and efforts to collect furniture, decorative arts, books, and other interpretive items, Gunston Hall was officially opened to the public on April 25, 1952. A visitors’ center and administrative space was built and dedicated to Eleanor Hertle in 1955.
The Evolution of Gunston Hall
In 1972, Gunston Hall expanded its visitors’ center to include the museum you see today, and in 2005 a new building was erected to meet the needs of the growing collection and staff. Since that time, Gunston Hall has grown in both staff, visitation, and vision. Gunston Hall is proud to be The Home of American Rights.
Understanding Gunston Hall
Learn about accessibility, architectural design, archaeological discoveries, curatorial practices, and recommended readings that deepen our understanding of George Mason’s world.
Directions & Accessibility
Centrally located and easy to access, everyone can experience George Mason’s historic home. Accessibility Every
Architect and Master Carver
Architect: William Buckland Under the supervision of George Mason, William Buckland produced the designs for
Recommended Reading
There are many books about George Mason and his role in the founding of our
Curating at Gunston Hall
Collecting at Gunston Hall serves the purpose of helping visitors better understand the material and
Archaeology at Gunston Hall
Much of the history we learn and speculations we make about George Mason’s lifetime are
