Mission
The Maymont Foundation is committed to creating experiences that delight, educate and inspire.
Guiding Principles
As the organization entrusted with caring for this important public space, we believe in:
- Remaining true to the Dooleys’ vision of Maymont as a park and museum for everyone, in this and future generations.
- Serving as an exceptional asset to the City of Richmond and its citizens to help establish Richmond among the great cities of this nation.
- Fostering community engagement, citizen leadership and private philanthropy – the three keys to ensuring Maymont’s purpose endures.
Values
Integrity Do what’s right. Be our best selves.
Stewardship Care for our extraordinary treasures.
Education and Delight Enlighten and expand lives while having fun.
Community and Collaboration Bring people together to find what they love.
History
The story of Maymont began in 1893, when a wealthy Richmond couple, James and Sallie Dooley, completed their elaborate Gilded Age estate on a site high above the James River. Upon their deaths and according to their wishes, Maymont—including its architectural complex, the 100-acre landscape, and a collection of exquisite furnishings—was left to the people of Richmond.
From Mrs. Dooley’s death in 1925 until 1975, the property was owned and operated by the City of Richmond. It became clear through the years, however, that the City could not maintain or restore the estate to its fullest potential. Therefore, in 1975, the Maymont Foundation assumed the role of manager, promoter and developer of Maymont under terms of an agreement and contract with the property owner, the City of Richmond. The organization accomplished incredible feats by the end of that first year – raised over $1 million, developed a long-term master plan, renovated buildings, cleaned gardens and more—under a watchful public eye and with a tiny staff.
Today, so much has changed and so much has stayed the same. Natural-setting wildlife habitats, the Maymont Farm and The Robins Nature Center have been added and maintained, while Maymont Mansion, the gardens and historic artifacts have been masterfully restored so that the Gilded Age estate looks much as it did as the Dooleys’ home from 1893 to 1925.
Now it takes $3.6 million per year to keep Maymont’s operations going. Every member of the community can help in so many ways. Become a member, join the Adopt an Animal program, attend events, give a donation. With almost a million people in the greater Richmond area, it would take less than $4 per person to operate Maymont for a year!
The foundation of the Foundation—then and now—is the desire to keep Maymont beautiful and accessible for every generation to come. For more information, contact us by email at info@maymont.org or by phone at 804-525-9000.
By the Numbers
FY2018 Richmond Impact Statement
2019 Annual Report
Maymont’s Fiscal Year 2019 Audited Financial Statement
Maymont's Fiscal Year 2020 Audited Financial Statement
Board of Directors
FY25 SLATE OF OFFICERS
Chair: Theresa Wills
Past Chair: Mitch Haddon
Treasurer: David Lyons
Secretary: Corey Durant
Life Trustee: E. Claiborne Robins, Jr.
President & CEO: C. Parke Richeson
BOARD MEMBERS
Allison Addison
Tarpley Ashworth
Todd Bagwell
Don Bassell
Sean Beard
Bridgette Bywater
Roscoe Cooper
Susan Dibble
Rosa Finch
Chris Frelke
Ryan Glasgow
Whitson Huffman
Aurelia Lewis
Margaret Lundvall
Stephanie Lynch
Aimee Perron Seibert
Bill Phelps
Burt Pinnock
Brian Pumphrey
Heather Rice
Jennifer Rowe
Jessica Schneider
Judith Starkey
Kumiko Suzuki
Norvell Whitaker
Jason Williams
REPRESENTATIVES OF MAYMONT AFFINITY GROUPS
Margaret Lundvall, President of Maymont Council
Kumiko Suzuki, Ikebana of Richmond Representative