Menokin Awarded $1.25 Million Grant!

We are honored to have received an extraordinary grant of $1.25 million from the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund!

Through 2025 and early 2026, Menokin will use this grant money to rebuild key sections of the 1769 home of Declaration of Independence signer Francis Lightfoot Lee. When complete, visitors will see the arched stone doorway of the building’s main entrance for the first time in 50 years. They will be able to stand in Lee’s study and see preservation craftsmen at work. The study will serve as an exhibition space to present Lee’s political and personal life and commemorate his role as a signer.

Detail of HABS drawing of Menokin front door.

Bringing back the front door in particular has a special meaning as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It gives us a metaphor: we’re celebrating the doorway to independence and self-determination that came with the signing in 1776, even if living up to those ideals is something we continue to work on today. Exploring gateways to independence and freedom for different Americans is a topic visitors will explore across our site in 2026.

Governor Youngkin’s press release announcing the 35 grantees of this $20M fund was poignant. He wrote, “As the United States of America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, there is no better time to show the world the essential role that Virginia has played in our Nation’s founding. These investments in historic properties will allow them to showcase their significant cultural value, preserving them for future generations.” We are grateful!

The grant requires a $420,000 match and we will be raising money throughout the year to fully realize this project. One endeavor in particular is our June 7 Glass House Gala!

We invite you to join us at the ruin for a celebratory evening to recognize what we've accomplished and where we are going next -- all made possible with the support of Menokin's longstanding community of donors, including you!

This summer's work is our largest project in a decade. We dedicate it to the memory of Martin Kirwan King, Menokin's founding director, and his wife, Tish. Thirty years after the creation of the Menokin Foundation, Martin's vision still drives our work.

Buy your ticket today, and join us June 7.

Menokin's 2025 Francis Lightfoot Lee Home Rehabilitation Project is supported by a grant from the VA Preservation 250 Fund.