A Magical Evening: Join Us for the George C. Marshall Award Gala on April 12!

We are excited to announce that the 2024 George C. Marshall Award Gala will take place Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA. Attendees will enjoy dinner, exciting live and silent auctions and entertainment, all while networking and supporting the Marshall Center, including our ethical leadership conferences for high school students.

The evening will also feature the presentation of the third annual George C. Marshall Award in Ethical Leadership to Jen Easterly, the Director of the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), followed by remarks from the awardee.

Last year’s Gala was a true delight ­­– an evening full of glamour, gaiety and generosity. Don’t miss out – learn more and join us for this special event by becoming a sponsor today!

Camp Marshall: Free Summer Leadership Camp for High School Students

Registrations Open for June 24-26 “Camp Marshall” in Leesburg, VA: Offers Students Fun, Interactive Experience

On June 24-26, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the Marshall Center will host Camp Marshall, a free summer leadership experience for high school students to learn about the center’s ethical leadership model and build teamwork skills in a fun, supportive environment. Registrations are now open to rising DMV juniors and seniors to learn lessons from one of the greatest leaders in U.S. history, mixed with stimulating and fun outdoor team-building activities.

The new camp builds on the Marshall Center’s Five Star Character Ethical Leadership Conference program for high school juniors and seniors. Registrations are also open for the May 10-11 edition of this free conference.

February 7 Book Club: In the Garden of Beasts

Zoom Discussion of “Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin” by Erik Larson Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Noon

Join us on Wednesday, February 7 from Noon-1pm ET for a Zoom discussion of In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson.

Arriving in 1933 Berlin, America’s ambassador to Nazi Germany, William E. Dodd, and his daughter Martha bore witness to the rising terror of Hitler’s rule that would lead to global conflict and, ultimately, General Marshall’s historic role as the “Architect of Victory” in World War II.

In the Garden of Beasts tells their story. Enamored of the “New Germany,” Martha has one affair after another, including with the first chief of the Gestapo, Rudolf Diels. Her father resolves not to prejudge the new government. As that first year unfolds, the Dodds experience days full of excitement, intrigue, romance—and ultimately horror, when a climactic spasm of violence and murder unmasks Hitler’s true character and ruthless ambition.

February 15 Foreign Policy Forum with Hannah Rosenthal

“What Is and Isn’t Antisemitism”

Join us Thursday, February 15 from Noon-1 p.m. ET for a timely Zoom discussion with Hannah Rosenthal, former Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism in the Obama Administration.

Hannah, daughter of a Holocaust survivor rabbi and an activist feminist, has dedicated her life to civil and human rights. President Obama appointed her as Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, and she continues to advise members of Congress, the news media and national and international opinion leaders on issues related to antisemitism and the importance of coalition building in this polarized world.

Hannah studied to become a rabbi after receiving her BA in religion. She has received numerous awards for her advocacy, is a popular speaker and is a leading strategist for civil and human rights organizations.

Volunteer Profile: Patricia Van Haste

“This is a man who should not be forgotten” – Patricia Van Haste on General Marshall

Patricia Van Haste, who recently moved to Loudoun County, has been a volunteer at Dodona Manor for six months. She leads tours, helps with the front desk and enjoys sharing different sides of General Marshall to visitors. Patricia enjoys telling a good story and making history come alive for guests. 

What attracted you to volunteer? I have been a docent before in other properties prior to our move to Loudoun County. I also found everyone at Dodona Manor really warm and welcoming.

What is your favorite part of the work you do? Sharing my knowledge... telling a story... making history live for people.

Why do you think it is important to preserve and share the legacy of General Marshall? This is a man who should not be forgotten. I am glad that I am able to contribute to that. 

Which part of General Marshall’s life history resonates with you the most? He reminds me so much of George Washington. There are so many personality and life parallels. I enjoy pointing those out. 

Share a fun story from your time volunteering. Last December, I took part in the tour of the house with members of the staff of the Swedish Embassy. We did a very abbreviated tour due to their schedule. Bill Brooks had it all mapped out and we undertook it; it was lot of fun to work together not only with our guests but also our colleagues. I had the Ambassador in my group; at the end of the tour, one of his staff invited me to visit them at the embassy. 

Thank you, Patricia. We are grateful for all you do!

Dodona Manor Tours Re-Open March 1

Dodona Featured in Fodor's Travel and UK Independent

Looking to shake off the winter blues? Tours of Dodona Manor re-open to the public on Friday, March 1.

Dodona Manor was recently featured in Fodor's Travel and the UK Independent, which highlighted “must-see attractions” in Leesburg and Loudoun County!

The Wealthiest County in the U.S. Is Not Where You Think – Fodor’s Travel

“History nerds will love Leesburg with its many stately homes and historical figures. For example, Dodona Manor is the home of George Marshall–of the famed Marshall Plan that provided economic assistance to Europe after World War Two–and it details his exemplary service from Chief of Staff to Secretary of Defense…”

How to spend a day in Leesburg, Virginia’s arty, indie and historic hangout –The Independent

“After a fruitful career where he was the first American Army general to be promoted to the five-star General of the Army, and where he was named as Time magazine’s Man of the Year twice, (George Marshall) retired to Leesburg’s Dodona Manor and gardens. Guided tours of the beautiful 19th-century manor and gardens offer fascinating insights into the man behind it all.”

Walk-ins are welcome, but please check our online schedule to make sure we are ready to welcome you.