The Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden is under new management. Alexandria resident Amanda Roper has assumed the post of museum director and started on Feb. 1.
Roper joined Lee-Fendall House in 2017 and 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,” she said.
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 South Carolina, and has been recognized as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 40 Under 40: People Saving Places.
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.
