Mason Estate Faces Budget Cuts as Docents Cry Foul

Gunston Hall, Va. –– What was billed as a public meeting to address the future of Gunston Hall’s education program became a gripe session to bemoan the loss of a terminated employee.

More than 100 people packed the visitors center outside the plantation home of colonial patriot George Mason on Tuesday night.

The majority came to vent about the termination of Denise McHugh, a 20 year-year employee who served as the estate’s education coordinator helping to receive tour groups and promoting Gunston Hall’s educational program.

“Denise McHugh was the heart and soul of our educational program at Gunston Hall. We need to have a return of the education position,” said Nancy Sage, who spoke during the town hall.

While estate officials said the job could be brought back as a volunteer position, there was no indication McHugh’s status would be restored.

“Our education program is going to continue very strongly. We have many, many docents eager and anxious to serve the public and give superb tours to many children from the commonwealth and beyond,” said Gunston Hall Estate Director David Resse.

Resse in recent weeks has come under fire for terminating McHugh, and has said $300,000 in budget cuts enforced by Gov. Robert F. McDonnell forced him to let her go.

While state documents outline what budget cuts the estate offered to make, like eliminating a historic animal program, raising the cost of admission and saving energy, doing away with McHugh’s position was not one of them.

Virginia Education Secretary Gerard Robinson was also at the public meeting on a fact finding mission, to review comments from the audience, he said.

With McHugh out, the estate now has five full-time positions.

Gusnton Hall’s budget this year from the state – $489,000 – is 33 percent less than it was at a recent high in 2007.

Joanna Halcomb, a Docent at nearby Woodlawn Plantation and former employee at Gunston Hall, says tour guides should accept the estate’s budget troubles and move on.

“Docents: You have shamed me. Your only job is to give tours to school children. If you think your job is to interfere with the business with the state you need to go home and thing about your job,” said Halcomb.

Reese has been the estate’s director for the past eight years, and during that time has seen the completion of newly added office space and visitor center.