Making history at Montpelier

Allison Enos ('99) is making history at Montpelier, the home of James and Dolley Madison. As assistant to the curator, Enos is part of the team that has created an exhibition of one of James and Dolley's dining extravaganzas in celebration of James Madison's 250th birthday. The exhibit is the first-ever, recreated Madison room at the museum.

"The whole process has definitely made me a true believer in team work," says Enos. "Visitors can now get a real sense of what it would have been like to attend a dinner hosted by James and Dolley Madison. My favorite thing about working at Montpelier is interpreting the history of the property from the Madison family to the present. Everyone knows Madison as 'Father of the Constitution,' but we are trying to raise people's awareness of Madison as much more. Madison's story is a multifaceted one. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was called 'the best farmer in the world' by John Quincy Adams. I love seeing the Madison history come alive for visitors."

When not preparing for such occasions as Madison's 250th birthday, Enos assists the curator with collections, museum loans and exhibition design. Enos completed an internship at Montpelier before she was hired in October 1999. The former Marching Royal Duke earned her bachelor's in art history with a minor in public relations.

By Michelle Hite ('88)