The mansion’s six Corinthian columns – with their deteriorating bases – needed replacing, so our partners at Shenandoah Planing Mill in Charles Town, W.Va., undertook the project, installing new columns in spring 2026. The original 200-year-old oak columns, hand-crafted by enslaved individuals, are undergoing forensic analysis to understand how they were made and to see if the workers left any personal markings.

The iconic balustrade, long a visual centerpiece of the gardens, has been beautifully restored thanks to your generosity — ensuring safety, integrity and beauty for decades to come.

Each year for more than a decade, Oatlands has welcomed descendants of enslaved and free families to Oatlands for a powerful day of remembrance, storytelling, food and music. We are recording oral histories to preserve the voices of elders and honor the ancestors who shaped this land.

Your support helped us begin the careful restoration of our rare 19th-century greenhouse — the second oldest greenhouse in North America. This work ensures that the building, once at the heart of Oatlands’ horticultural innovation, will continue to inspire visitors and serve future generations.

The herb garden is one of the most beloved spaces at Oatlands, offering beauty, fragrance and peace. Yet until recently, uneven bricks and grassy transitions made it inaccessible to those using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices. Thanks to the generous support of the Marge and Joe Grills Grant —and friends like you — we removed these barriers. Now, everyone can fully enjoy this historic and serene garden.

Rusty, our faithful retriever statue, has stood watch over Oatlands’ gardens for generations. Time and weather had worn away his proud coat, leaving him in need of care. Thanks to a generous grant from the Loudoun Preservation Society, Rusty received fresh paint and careful conservation to treat his rust spots. With this work, he will continue to guard the gardens and delight visitors for years to come.

Download this coloring page of Rusty!