Delegate Kathy Tran Celebrates Another Budget Win for 42nd District
Governor Northam’s proposed budget includes additional funding for Gunston Hall
Springfield, VA - Today, Governor Northam unveiled his proposed budget ahead of the 2021 Legislative Session. Funding is included in the Governor’s budget to reconstruct and interpret one of the recently discovered slave quarters at Gunston Hall.
Gunston Hall is one of the many treasures located in the 42nd District. Reconstructing these quarters will allow Virginia to properly acknowledge and honor the slaves who resided at Gunston Hall and accurately depict its history to thousands of annual visitors.
“The 42nd District is fortunate to be the home of Gunston Hall, a national historic jewel. Providing the full and accurate history of George Mason’s home supports our continued work to advance racial justice and will have an important impact on the many visitors who come to learn about its history. I made this budget request in 2020, and am thankful for the support of Governor Northam and House Appropriations Committee Vice-Chair Mark Sickles,” Delegate Kathy Tran.
"Just two years ago, evidence of slave quarters were discovered near the main house. Under Director Scott Stroh's leadership, a plan was developed to recreate the landscape to honor the humanity and regular presence of slaves at Gunston Hall," said Delegate Mark Sickles, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. "With this discovery, we can tell a broader and more inclusive story of all those who lived and worked on George Mason's estate in ways previously not possible. I want to thank Governor Northam for recognizing this important opportunity to inform and educate future generations about Virginia, and our Nation's, history."
“Gunston Hall is committed to telling an inclusive and full story of all those who lived at Gunston Hall. We remember and acknowledge the stories, voices, and humanity of the over 100 people of African descent enslaved by George Mason. Understanding and learning about these women, men, and children is also a priority for our organization. The recent discovery of housing for enslaved people by our archaeological team now affords us new and compelling opportunities to do so. We very much appreciate the Governor’s inclusion of funding in his budget proposal allowing us to conduct more archaeological investigations of this culturally significant site on our campus, and to both rebuild and tell the story of this place and all those who lived within this community. Finally, we value Delegate Sickles and Delegate Tran’s dedication to diversity, equality, and inclusion, and we are thankful for their longstanding support of Gunston Hall and this project,” Gunston Hall Executive Director Scott Stroh said.
This announcement follows many budget victories Delegate Tran has secured for her constituents in the 42nd District which include investments in the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial, Mason Neck State Park, overtime pay for home health aides, and the establishment of the Office of New Americans.
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