Loudoun County Invests $1.5 Million in New Marshall Center Museum and Visitor Support Facility
State-of-the-Art Building to Host Free Ethical Leadership Training, County and LCPS Events
Artist rendering of the museum and visitor support facility
Leesburg, VA – Loudoun County has approved a $1.5 million investment to support the construction of a new state-of-the-art museum and visitor support facility on the grounds of Dodona Manor, the former home of General George C. Marshall. This transformative project, led by the George C. Marshall International Center, will significantly expand educational opportunities and visitor engagement in Loudoun County, while preserving and promoting the enduring legacy of one of America’s greatest statesmen.
“We are grateful to Loudoun County for providing support for this new facility, which will offer county students world-class leadership training, boost the local economy and serve as a hub for civic and community events,” said Tom Greenspon, Chairman of the George C. Marshall International Center. “This lasting resource will help us share General Marshall’s values of integrity, service and leadership with more people than ever before.”
“We are pleased to have the support of the Board of Supervisors and our state legislators for this initiative,” said Leesburg District Supervisor Kristen Umstattd, in whose district the center is located. “This support will help the Marshall Center continue to deliver valuable resources to our community and continue to preserve our history.”
The Marshall Center works to preserve historic Dodona Manor and share the legacy of one of Loudoun County’s most esteemed residents. It also works with Loudoun County and the Town of Leesburg to host the annual Veterans Day ceremony. The new building, located in a corner of Dodona Manor’s attractive grounds, will serve as the hub for the Marshall Center’s expanding Ethical Leadership Program, which provides high school students with a foundational understanding of character-driven leadership — free of charge.
In addition, under the cooperative funding agreement, Loudoun County and Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) will have priority access to the facility at no cost for official events, student programs and field trips. The center will also collaborate with Visit Loudoun to support tourism and special events, enhancing the region’s cultural and historical appeal.
The funding from Loudoun County represents a key component of a broader capital campaign that includes private contributions and support from the Commonwealth of Virginia. When completed, the new museum and visitor center will provide modern educational and meeting spaces; galleries to host exhibits that tell the story of General Marshall; and accessible design to welcome people with limited mobility and other physical challenges.
For more information about the George C. Marshall International Center and its programs, visit georgecmarshall.org.