Gunston Hall Partnership

The logo, "Explore the Past, Educate for the Future" symbolizes the unique partnership agreement that exists between Gunston Elementary School, and Gunston Hall, the 18th century plantation home of George Mason, which is located only a few miles down the road from the school in Fairfax County, Virginia.

George Mason was the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights which became the basis of our Federal Bill of Rights. He was a neighbor and friend of George Washington and he built a magnificent Georgian style home on the shores of the Potomac River. This home is now a museum with plantation outbuildings and 500 acres of gardens and woods surrounding it.

Our partnership was born out of mutual needs and desires. Gunston School's staff and PTA wanted students to take advantage of the unique geographical area in which the school is located. At the same time Gunston Hall was looking for opportunities to expand its influence in the community and extend its educational programs. The chairwoman of our PTA Cultural Arts Committee brought the two institutions together.
During the winter of 1994 our partnership agreement was drafted.

Our mission statement reads: Gunston Elementary School and Gunston Hall Plantation have entered into a partnership for the benefit of our students and community. Together we will share our facilities and resources, and provide educational experiences that will increase our students knowledge of history, culture and geography through the life and times of George Mason and Gunston Hall.

One of the obvious results of our partnership is that the school is more fully utilizing community resources. The talents and knowledge of Gunston Hall's staff and many volunteers is enriching our students' lives and their studies.

Our educational program is much richer for the partnership we have developed with Gunston Hall. Our association has strengthened the role of the school as a learning center in our community and of Gunston Hall as an active participant in this mission. Together we have demonstrated our commitment to "Partnering to Help Children Learn."