Friends of Happy Retreat (FOHR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation formed in 2006 to address the threat to the historic property. FOHR's mission is to acquire, preserve, and promote Happy Retreat as a national resource for public enjoyment, education and the study of ethics. FOHR obtained a purchase option from the owners which expires in February 2008. The price was consistent with a professional appraisal of the property that was commissioned by the City of Charles Town in early 2006, and with asking prices of comparable properties in the surrounding area in early 2007.
BACKGROUND STUDIES
In preparing for the acquisition of the property FOHR commissioned four studies. The first was an assessment of the construction history of the mansion at Happy Retreat conducted by Matt Webster, an historic architect familiar with the Washington family history. His analysis indicated that Happy Retreat was constructed in a three-step sequence, starting with Charles Washington's efforts to complete what is now the west wing shortly thereafter the east wing, and then with Judge Isaac Douglass's completion of the large central section about 60 years later.
The second was a planning study, conducted to determine the feasibility of the project. This survey found near-unanimous agreement that FOHR's vision and goals are extremely important to the local community and beyond. It also found support for efforts to continue to acquire and preserve the property and to plan and conduct meaningful programs and events on the property for the public.
The third was an assessment of the house and outbuildings by an expert in historic preservation. This study found that the mansion is structurally sound, and that, except for a few minor repairs, the needed improvements to the house are cosmetic in nature. The separate kitchen, smokehouse and octagonal "schoolhouse" will require more substantial restoration in order to support future program activities.
The fourth was an archeological survey that will be used to plan the restoration of the house and grounds. Experienced archeologists conducted surveys of the property to assist in planning future activities and to educate undergraduate and graduate level students.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
A Center for History and Culture. Realizing that the property will need to be maintained and sustained over the long term, FOHR first conducted a series of strategic planning sessions to help define a sustainable approach for acquiring and preserving Happy Retreat. FOHR volunteers worked with other members of local organizations such as the Arts and Humanities Alliance of Jefferson County to identify community needs that could be met through programs in history and culture designed specifically to take advantage Happy Retreat's unique place in the region's history. The results of these initial planning sessions confirmed that Happy Retreat could serve as an appropriate venue for citizens and visitors alike to celebrate art, music, history, philosophy and other humanities.
The George Washington Institute for Living Ethics. Wishing also to develop a broader base of support from around the country to help us sustain our efforts, we have worked with community leaders to define an appropriate and practical set of programs which could build upon the Washington family's and Happy Retreat's unique place in American history. Acknowledging George Washington's great contributions to establishing a moral and ethical basis to early American society, and recognizing the need for America to regain some of its early standards for justice, liberty, and ethical behavior, the George Washington Institute of Living Ethics has recently been established as a 501(c)(3) to conduct research, education, and training in ethical challenges facing the nation.
The Institute will bring people and communities together to explore and teach the values of George Washington and other Founding Fathers. It will be a place to revisit, celebrate and debate the Founders’ core values and develop means for incorporating them into the ethical standards of today’s world – in communities, politics, business, professions, science, education, and personal conduct. The goal is to provide an opportunity for greater ethical and social well being, not only to Americans, but to global communities as well. Happy Retreat is the ideal setting for such an Institute and initial planning is underway to make the most effective use of the property for such an endeavor.
Summary. Once the property has been acquired, needed repairs and restorations will be made. Private, academic, government, and corporate partners will be invited to assist in the developing the major educational programs necessary to establish the ethics institute. The grounds will be used for a variety of community-oriented educational and cultural events. Plans are being developed to make the house and grounds available for private functions to generate a portion of the income needed to sustain the property.
The ca 1933 photographs of Happy Retreat used on this site are public access images from The Historic American Buildings Survey collection of the Library of Congress' American Memory project.
Happy Retreat is located at the crossroads of Mordington Avenue and Blakely Place, on the edge of historic Charles Town, WV.
