Library & Archives
About the Library
The Gunston Hall Library supports research on George Mason, 18th-century Virginia, and the founding ideals of the United States. Our holdings include primary and secondary sources that illuminate life in colonial America, the Mason family, and the broader Chesapeake region.
Gunston Hall continues George Mason’s legacy of continuing education by investing in a world-class, on site reference library, rare book collection, and the largest assembly of Mason-family related archives in the United States.
You can use our resources during an in-person visit by appointment only, or enjoy access to some of our tools from the comfort of your home.
Explore Our Research Resources
Collections Overview
Our collection includes:
- Books & Manuscripts Biographies, historical texts, and rare publications
- Personal Papers Mason family correspondence and estate records
- Period Maps & Prints Historical geography of the region
- Research Files Subject folders on architecture, enslaved communities, and plantation life
Research Topics of Interest
Popular areas of study include:
- The drafting of the Virginia Declaration of Rights
- 18th-century plantation economy and daily life
- The lives of the enslaved community at Gunston Hall
- George Mason’s role in shaping early American political thought
Archival Highlights
Featured materials include:
- A 1776 draft of the Virginia Declaration of Rights
- Mason family wills and property ledgers
- 18th-century medical and agricultural records
Learn More Layers of History at Gunston Hall
Digital Resources
Discover more about the Mason family and 18th-century life through our online tools and databases.
Mason Family Items
View photos and descriptions of personal belongings once owned by members of the Mason family.
Probing the Past
Search over 300 probate inventories from Virginia and Maryland (1740–1810). These records offer insight into daily life and household items in the Chesapeake region.
Room Use Study
Explore how Gunston Hall researched and interpreted how rooms in the mansion may have been used and furnished during George Mason’s time.
Mason Web
Search for Mason family descendants in our informal genealogy database. Updated annually.
To contribute information, email:
General Information
- Hours: Open Mon-Tues. & Thu-Sun. 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Accessibility: Fully accessible for all visitors
Make A Research Appointment
Interested in diving deeper into Gunston Hall’s history? Our staff welcomes scholars, students, and curious minds to explore our archives, collections, and research materials. Schedule an appointment to access primary sources, architectural studies, and curatorial records that bring the past to life.
Support Gunston Hall
Help preserve history and inspire future generations. Your donation supports educational programs, conservation efforts, and public events.
