The James Monroe Museum was honored to welcome Dr. Lynne Cheney, historian and former Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and her husband, the 46th Vice President of the United States, Mr. Richard B. Cheney, to the museum on Saturday, February 24.
Dr. Cheney spent the day at various historic sites in Virginia conducting research for her forthcoming book on the Early Republic. The book will focus on the Virginia Dynasty (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe).
Executive Director of University Museums Scott Harris welcomed the Cheneys and their staff, including Nicole Penn, a former guide at James Monroe’s Highland. James Monroe Museum Assistant Director and Curator Jarod Kearney conducted the Cheneys through close-up examination of a select group of Monroe artifacts, including a court suit worn by James Monroe while Minister to France, and Elizabeth Monroe’s wedding dress, as well as other artifacts exhibited throughout the Museum.
Mr. Kearney was assisted by the museum’s Bowley Scholars Lindsey Crawford and Holly Irwin. Additional security during the visit was provided by Officer Dillion Brooks and Sergeant John Piersol of the University of Mary Washington Police.