The Board of Directors of the Washington Heritage Museums (WHM) is pleased to announce that Anne Darron will become the first Executive Director of the organization effective July 15, 2014. Darron brings 16 years of experience in working with local non-profits including Boy Scouts of America and Washington Heritage Museums. Having served in leadership capacities over the years she brings a wealth of knowledge on working with volunteers and experience in the fields of fundraising, marketing and event planning.
A graduate of the University of Mary Washington with a BA in historic preservation, Darron focused on primary record research for historic structures. She has served WHM in several positions as Manager of the Mary Washington House, Administrative Assistant to the local branch of Preservation Virginia and more recently as the Administrator for Washington Heritage Museums.
The Washington Heritage Museums formed in 2013 was formerly known as the Mary Washington Branch APVA (Preservation Virginia). Its mission is to preserve, promote and maintain the four 18th century properties in Fredericksburg and develop dynamic educational resources and programs to engage and inspire the interests of everyone. The sites include the Mary Washington House, the Rising Sun Tavern, the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop and the St. James’ House.
Darron will lead the staff and volunteers in support of the organization’s annual programs including County Fair, Our Living Legacies, History Camp, Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Mary Washington House, free school tours for area fourth grade classes, and other regularly scheduled programs. In 2015 there will be a special event to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the saving of the Mary Washington House.
Gail Braxton who has been the volunteer leader for the Mary Washington Branch Preservation Virginia and the Washington Heritage Museums for over 30 years said she is “thrilled to have Anne Darron take on the responsibilities of promoting and protecting these sites for the community and nation.” Braxton will continue with the organization as a member of the Board of Directors and as a volunteer.
For more information on Washington Heritage Museums, please contact them at 540-373-1569, or visit them at www.WashingtonHeritageMuseums.org.
Press Release courtesy of the Washington Heritage Museum.
Congratulations Anne!