October 2020
Up and Coming at
George C. Marshall's Dodona Manor

Dodona Manor Awarded the 2020 Travelers’ Choice Award, Thanks to Visitors Like You
Renovations and Home Improvements:
The Joys of Homeownership 
“Ah, the joys of homeownership!” So goes the common lament. When you buy a place to call your own, you sign up for the upkeep and repairs. The air conditioning breaks, the roof leaks and the weather find new ways of causing problems. Fortunately, at historic Dodona Manor we have been able to work on both preservation and historic restoration. 

Dodona Manor underwent several renovations this year, starting with tile floor restoration on the first-floor bathroom in February. We also repaired the stone patio in April and a keystone lintel above a window on the front of the house in June.
  
General Marshall’s office beside the library, also called the powder room, was renovated and repaired. Director of Museum Operations Cody Youngblood painted the walls, added pictures, installed the powder “table” with the blue skirt and repaired the chair. The gated entrance to Dodona Manor on Edwards Ferry Road was repaired in July.  

Historic wallpaper specialist Jim Yates re-adhered the Marshalls' original wallpaper to the breakfast and living room walls, and the vegetable garden was extended in September. While much has been accomplished, additional projects are on the horizon, including a facelift and update of the Haub Education Room. We are raising funds to do some painting and install museum-quality display cases, lighting upgrades and carpeting.
The Haub Education Room on the second floor of Dodona Manor
The gated entrance to Dodona Manor on Edwards Ferry Road NE
Who Was the Second Most Powerful Man in the World?
Find out during our October Book Club Meeting.
Join the George C. Marshall International Center on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, for a discussion of The Second Most Powerful Man in the World by Phillips Payson O’Brien. O’Brien’s biography chronicles the life, times and career of Admiral William D. Leahy, the right-hand man to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. FDR named Leahy chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1942. His influence and decision-making influenced events during World War II. The victory in the Pacific Theater and the invasions of North Africa and Sicily are largely attributed to Admiral Leahy. 
Much like George C. Marshall, Leahy was humble and underestimated his own influence. However, through Leahy’s similar style of stoicism and sternness, his authority was recognized around the world, from Winston Churchill to Joseph Stalin. The book club discussion will commence at 12:00 p.m. and is free for members. Non-members can participate in the discussion for a $5 fee.
Anchors Away! Celebrating the U.S. Navy's Birthday
The George C. Marshall International Center celebrates each service branch and its birthday as we are proud of our military members. Oct. 13 marks the birthday of the U.S. Navy.
George C. Marshall Died on Oct. 16, 1959
General of the Army George C. Marshall died Oct. 16, 1959, at age 78. He died at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., and was survived by his wife, Katherine. On the 61st anniversary of Marshall’s death, we think it is important to recognize the legacy and influence of the former secretary of state, secretary of defense, special envoy to China and president of the American Red Cross. Through the Marshall Center, we continue to inspire leadership by highlighting his legacy at his home, Dodona Manor. 

Marshall’s influence was felt worldwide. As the architect of the Marshall Plan, he worked with Congress and President Harry Truman to bring aid to war-torn Europe after World War II and the demise of Nazi Germany. It is because of the Marshall Plan that Marshall became an important figure in international relations, acting as a representative for American democracy in China, the Philippines and Korea, among others.  

Because of Marshall, one of the main goals of the George C. Marshall International Center is to inspire the leaders of tomorrow, today. Thank you to those who keep Marshall’s name and legacy alive by supporting the Marshall Center and Dodona Manor. 
Dodona Manor Opens for Exclusive Student Tours
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, students all over the United States are starting their school years at home, behind a computer. However, the Marshall Center has a solution for history enthusiasts yearning to experience and absorb local history.

Dodona Manor began offering exclusive tours for students on Oct. 5. Students in and outside Loudoun County Public Schools are invited for tours; this includes public and private school students and other students in the D.C. metropolitan area. Tours may be scheduled on Mondays at 10 a.m. Each tour may consist of up to eight students and one adult chaperone. This eight-student group should consist of students who know and are familiar with each other. Through these exclusive student tours, the Marshall Center is enhancing the education of students who find themselves distanced from the classroom. This is an opportunity to experience the Marshall House, with social distancing practices required.

Please share this news with students and families. Student tour tickets are $5. If you are a student, teacher or parent, please contact us via email at [email protected] to set up a group tour. 
Sharing Marshall’s Legacy for Present and Future Generations 
As we take a look back at our records we see the campaigns and projects that helped make Dodona Manor what it is today. Many citizens raised the funds to purchase the property. We are so grateful to the following public and private sources for their contributions in restoration funds: a community development grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Marshall family, and the Garden Club of Virginia, among others. Grants from the Save America’s Treasures and Department of Transportation have been generous, as well the state of Virginia and the country of Germany.

In 1989, the George C. Marshall Home Preservation Fund was established, paving the way for the creation of the George C. Marshall International Center. World War II veteran B. Powell Harrison went on several fundraising missions to Germany. A display in the Haub Room at Dodona Manor documents the renovation and repair process.

Countless volunteers supported the restoration and support current operations. Our members remain the backbone of our mission. A growing share of our annual operating and maintenance costs, which total almost $1 million a year, come from generous membership gifts. Please consider continuing renewing your membership, joining our community to ensure that future generations will learn and emulate General Marshall’s integrity and visionary leadership.   
It is through your continued support that we are able to inspire leadership.

To learn more about our mission, memberships and virtual opportunities please visit our website.

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George C. Marshall International Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.