Program areas at Tudor Place Foundation
Master preservation plan - in 2008, Tudor Place, along with experts in fire, security, collections, buildings, and mechanicals, developed a master preservation plan that promotes the public's engagement with the museum's historic assets while also protecting them. The plan was approved by the board of trustees in march 2012 and received concept approval from the old georgetown board that same month. A capital campaign is underway to fund implementation of the master preservation plan. Since 2012, Tudor Place has been raising funds for implementing projects of its master preservation plan. In 2019, the organization completed the installation of a stormwater management system on the south lawn and schematic design for the renovation and expansion of the garage to serve as a collections management center. In 2023, the organization completed construction of an addition to the mower house to accommodate an emergency generator that will serve the main house and garage. Planning for the renovation and expansion of the garage and updates to systems in the main house is ongoing.
Conservation of archives and collections - the Tudor Place museum collection includes over 18,000 objects including silver, furniture, paintings, architectural and archaeological artifacts, jewelry, and household items spanning the period 1750-1983. An extensive archival collection includes the papers and correspondence of six generations of the peter family, presidential documents, photographs, and a 5,000-volume book collection. The archive is particularly complete in recording the history of the property, the house and its contents, and the development of the garden. A board-approved collections management policy and industry best-practices guide the care, exhibition, and use of the museum collection and archive.
Conservation of buildings and grounds - located on five and a half acres of land in Washington's georgetown neighborhood, Tudor Place maintains seven historic structures, including a national historic landmark house designed by dr. william thornton, architect of the first united states capitol, and completed in 1816. The surrounding gardens record the evolution of the property from 1805-1983. Tudor Place completed an architectural analysis on the landmark house in 2004, a conservation assessment of the structure in 2005, and a cultural landscape report in 2012. The architectural analysis has been supplemented by the development of a historic structure report that was begun in 2021 and will be completed in 2024. These reports along with the findings of an intensive archaeological survey undertaken in 2011, guide the research, interpretation, and educational programming on the history and uses of the site.
Visitor services - visitors to Tudor Place experience the historic house through docent-led tours and the gardens through self-guided tours. Tudor Place offers group tours of the house and gardens that can be combined with social activities such as teas and luncheons. Members of the public begin their museum experience in the visitor center and museum shop where they are offered opportunities for further involvement as donors, volunteers, or members. In 2024, Tudor Place launched ancestral spaces, a historic house installation and tour that focusses upon the stories of people of african descent who lives and worked at the site.a large volunteer corps contributes significant time to maintaining the gardens, staffing events, and leading tours. Property rentals are also available on a limited basis.
Education and member services - Tudor Place educates the public about american history and culture and invites individuals and families to join the museum for special access to unique academic and cultural programs. Tudor Place focuses on the historical development of the federal city and the nation's capital region from the 18th to the 20th century as seen through the lens of Tudor Place, home of martha Washington's granddaughter and six generations of her descendants, the custis-peter family, as well as the enslaved and free people who worked at the site.educational programs offered throughout the year include lectures, family events, workshops, and scout programs. School programs that meet national and local standards of learning offer Washington, d.c. metro area schools innovative learning experiences at the site, with special outreach offered to title i schools. Professional development programs for teachers are offered annually to local and national groups. The museum regularly collaborates with local organizations, schools, and museums to offer enriching programs. Tudor Place members receive an informative newsletter and access to special educational programs and tours.
Communications - Tudor Place's communications program informs the public and media of museum research, activities, programs, and special events through the Tudor Place website, a quarterly newsletter, social media outlets, and press releases. Tudor Place works with the Washington, d.c. tourism and business communities to ensure that the city offers its visitors lively cultural resources.