The Virginia General Assembly agreed upon a budget dedicating over $5 million in additional resources to Gunston Hall as part of the overall state budget. These funds allow Gunston Hall to continue expanding its mission in educating the community about the historical significance of George Mason’s home. 

“We are truly honored and deeply appreciative of the General Assembly’s meaningful support of Gunston Hall,” said Virginia Nicholson, First Regent of the Board of Regents of Gunston Hall. “The increased investments in preserving George Mason’s home and telling the stories of everyone who lived at Gunston Hall will expand our ability to educate and inspire school children, families, and all those who visit our campus. These investments will also help us prepare for the upcoming 250th anniversary of American Independence in 2026.” 

Budget amendments in the General Assembly's agreed upon budget include: 

● Increased Staffing - Item 223 #1c provides $300,000 in both FY25 and FY26 to fund two additional staff positions at Gunston Hall. This amendment was proposed by Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy and Del. Mark Sickles. 

● Funding for New Archaeology Center and Maintenance Facility - Item C-22.20 #1c provides $5 million in FY25 to construct a new Archaeology Center and Maintenance Facility at Gunston Hall. This amendment was proposed by Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy and Del. Rozia Henson. 

● Increased Maintenance Reserve Funds - Item C-46 #1c increases Gunston Hall’s maintenance reserve funds to a total of $500,000 through the biennium budget. This is an increase of over $329,000 compared to the introduced budget. 

● Flexibility In Maintenance Funds Use - Language was included in Item C-46 #1c to allow for partial use of Gunston Hall’s annual maintenance reserve allocation for any maintenance project associated with the preservation and care of historic resources. This amendment was introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell and Del. Mark Sickles.

“Gunston Hall plays an enormous role in the Mount Vernon community by helping preserve our shared history," said Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell. “These investments will help strengthen this national treasure and allow future generations to appreciate the importance of this historic landmark while enhancing the visitor experience in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the founding of America.” 

“Gunston Hall has grown under the leadership of Scott Stroh and these budget items will let Gunston expand its programming for another generation,” said House Appropriations Vice-Chairman Mark Sickles. “I am thankful to my fellow conferees for understanding the importance of Gunston Hall, not only to Mason Neck, but Virginia.” 

"Thank you to our conferees for ensuring that increased funding for Gunston Hall is included in the budget,” said Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy. “This funding is vital to ensuring the facility will have the proper full time staff needed, and will equip Gunston Hall with funding consistent with other similar historic facilities throughout the Commonwealth. I also look forward to seeing the construction of the new Archaeology Center and Maintenance Facility progress over the coming months." 

"It says a great deal that the General Assembly has decided to make these significant investments in Gunston Hall," said Del. Rozia Henson. "Gunston Hall leadership is committed to telling the full history of this historic landmark. I look forward to seeing how these funds help expand their mission, especially when it comes to sharing the history of the enslaved population who once lived and worked here."