Media Contact:
Sandra S.Vieira
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
George Mason’s Gunston Hall
Phone: 703.550.9220
Email: [email protected]
George Mason’s Gunston Hall Names Christopher R. Eck as Executive Director
MASON NECK, VA., Jan. 8, 2026 – The Board of Regents of Gunston Hall, Inc. (BRGHI) has appointed Christopher R. Eck as its new executive director, bringing extensive experience in historic preservation, archaeology and strategic leadership to the historic site. Mr. Eck will assume the role January 12th.
“We are thrilled to welcome Christopher Eck as our new executive director,” said Virginia Nicholson, first regent of Gunston Hall. “He brings with him a powerful combination of historic preservation knowledge, archaeological background, strategic leadership and deep passion for our mission. Chris is the ideal leader to guide Gunston Hall into our next chapter of growth and impact.”
Christopher R. Eck is a nationally recognized leader in historic preservation, archaeology and public administration with more than two decades of experience in federal and local government. Most recently, he served as executive director of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission at the National Archives, where he oversaw a major expansion of grantmaking to archives and cultural institutions nationwide. A registered professional archaeologist, Eck has also held senior preservation and cultural resources roles with the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, the General Services Administration and major metropolitan governments. He holds advanced degrees in law and historical archaeology and has taught historic preservation law at the university level.
In his new role, Eck will lead Gunston Hall’s strategic vision and daily operations, advance the organization’s mission of preservation, education and public engagement while honoring its legacy as the Home of American Rights. His appointment marks an important step as the institution looks toward continued growth and expanded impact.George Mason’s Gunston Hall is an American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accredited museum, a National Historic Landmark and a popular tourism destination in Fairfax County. The historic property attracts visitors from across the nation with guided tours, educational programs and special events that explore the life and legacy of George Mason. In 2026, Gunston Hall will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the June 12, 1776, Virginia Declaration of Rights, authored by Mason, with special programming and public events.