July 17, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Harris Named AAM Accreditation Commissioner

by

University of Mary Washington Museums Executive Director Scott Harris

University of Mary Washington Museums Executive Director Scott Harris

Executive Director of Museums Scott Harris has been appointed one of six new accreditation commissioners by the American Alliance of Museums. Read more.

Harris also recently published a piece titled  “President William Howard Taft’s Wild Ride from Washington, D.C., to the Manassas Peace Jubilee” in White House History Quarterly. The article retraces Taft’s harrowing adventure from Washington, D.C., to Manassas, Virginia, for the 1911 Manassas Peace Jubilee. Harris details the many challenges President Taft encountered on this journey including his surviving Virginia’s muddy and flooded roads while making his way from the White House to the countryside to address Civil War veterans gathered at the 1911 Peace Jubilee. Read more.

Harris Published in ‘White House History Quarterly’

by

University of Mary Washington Museums Executive Director Scott Harris

University of Mary Washington Museums Executive Director Scott Harris

University of Mary Washington Museums Executive Director Scott Harris’ piece, “The New York City Death and Burial of President James Monroe,” which traces a series of temporary entombments that ultimately took the fifth president’s remains from New York to Virginia, is included in the new issue of White House History Quarterly – The White House and New York. The issue explores the historical connections between New York City and the White House from the first Oath of Office to the present day. Take a look at the publication.

Turdean, McClurken Named to Monroe Board

by

UMW Chief of Staff and Professor of History and American Studies Jeffrey W. McClurken and Professor of Historic Preservation Cristina Turdean of Fredericksburg have been appointed by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin to serve on the James Monroe Law Office – Museum and Memorial Library – Board of Regents. “Today I am announcing a new group of appointees to serve the citizens of Virginia by working in my administration and on boards throughout state government,” Gov. Youngkin said in the release. “I look forward to the great work these dedicated individuals will do for the commonwealth.”

UMW Museums Executive Director Scott Harris said the board “provides advice to the [UMW] Board of Visitors on the operation of the museum, on policy issues related to the museum, and on the best ways in which the museum can promote and publicize the life and accomplishments of President James Monroe.”

Harris Gives Updates on University Museums on ‘Town Talk’

by

University of Mary Washington Museums Executive Director Scott Harris

University of Mary Washington Museums Executive Director Scott Harris

Executive Director of University Museums Scott Harris shared updates on UMW’s Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont in Stafford and James Monroe Museum in Fredericksburg on WFVA Radio’s ‘Town Talk.’ Listen to the segment.

Bales and Harris Key to Horatio Alger Convention

by

Jack Bales, UMW reference and humanities librarian emeritus, hosted the Horatio Alger Society Convention in Fredericksburg for the second consecutive year, and Scott H. Harris, executive director of UMW Museums, spoke at the event. The conference included the presentation of an award to a local high school student. The event was featured in “Horatio Alger Society Gathers in Fredericksburg, Honors Local Student” in The Free Lance-Star. Read more.