ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA - The board of directors of the Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden is pleased to announce that Amanda Roper has assumed the post of museum director beginning February 1, 2022. Amanda joined Lee-Fendall House in 2017, and has most recently served in the role of Manager of Interpretation. During her time with the museum, she has led efforts to expand and strengthen interpretation around women’s, African-American, and labor history, while introducing innovative student programs. “My work as a public historian is driven by a belief in history’s relevance and the power it has to shape us as individuals, communities, and as a nation,” said Amanda. Earlier in her career, Amanda helped to interpret a more inclusive American narrative at places like McLeod Plantation Historic Site, the National Mall, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She holds a degree in history from the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, and has previously been recognized as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 40 Under 40: People Saving Places. 'Amanda has spent many years fulfilling our mission, through programming, community engagement, and the preservation of our collections,' said Kelly Jeffers, President of the Board of Directors of the Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden. 'We’re thrilled to have her in this new position to continue to preserve our historic resources and educate the community about the experiences of those who lived and worked on the property for the past 200 years.'

In Amanda’s new role, she will oversee the museum’s work in historic preservation and community engagement, as the property approaches its landmark 50th year as a museum. Originally constructed in 1785 and lived in continuously until 1969, Lee-Fendall House interprets a broad and diverse slice of Alexandria history.

Next up, the museum will host a month-long series on Civil War medicine as well as a pop-up exhibit on the property’s connection to presidential history. The public is invited to participate in any of these events or visit for a regular tour. Event details are available at leefendallhouse.eventbrite.com and the house is open daily Wednesday through Sunday for tours on the hour.