Erby gives renovation update on Mount Vernon

Published 2:00 pm Friday, August 19, 2022

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It was a fine day for the local William Taylor Chapter when District III of the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution met on August 6 in Lynchburg. The chapter was represented by two district officers: Secretary Merny Erby and Chaplain Linda Bagley, both from Lunenburg. In addition, the guest speaker, Adam T. Erby, is also a native of Lunenburg County.

Erby, the son of Merny and Gordon Erby of Victoria, is the Curator of Fine and Decorative Arts at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. He is known internationally as an expert in that field of restorative arts.

Erby spoke to the audience of appreciative district representatives about the restoration work that has taken place at Mount Vernon since the creation of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association over 150 years ago. The Ladies’ Association, which owns Mount Vernon, accepts no federal or state government funding in the completion of its work.

Much restoration work at Mount Vernon has taken place – and continues – under Erby’s direction during his tenure there. The ultimate goal is the full restoration of the property, with work expected to be completed by 2026, the celebration year of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.