The General Henry Knox Museum stands at the crossroads of American history, interpretation, and community identity. As a faithful replica of the original Montpelier estate built by Major General Henry Knox—Revolutionary War hero, trusted advisor to George Washington, and the first U.S. Secretary of War—the Museum interprets a legacy foundational to the nation and deeply rooted in Thomaston, Maine.

The only museum in the country dedicated to honoring one of the greatest heroes of the Revolutionary War.

This $2.5 million capital campaign seeks transformational investment to strengthen the Museum building, fulfillment of the organization’s mission, and secure the Museum’s future for generations to come. Through strategic improvements to the site, collections care, and public programming, the Museum will expand its educational impact, strengthen community engagement, and ensure the long-term stewardship of this irreplaceable local, regional, and national treasure.

Museums and cultural sites across the nation face increasing pressure from aging infrastructure, climate impacts, and changing audience expectations. The General Henry Knox Museum is no exception. Critical needs now require comprehensive, forward-looking investment rather than incremental repair.

This capital campaign represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to allow the Museum to fully fulfill its mission by:

• Address critical building repairs and deferred maintenance throughout the Museum building

• Strengthen the physical integrity and safety of the Knox Mansion and surrounding grounds

• Elevate interpretation and educational programming

• Position the Museum as a vibrant cultural anchor for the region

 

Why General Henry Knox Matters

Henry Knox’s story is central to the American founding. From the daring transport of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, to shaping the early U.S. military as Secretary of War, Knox exemplified leadership, ingenuity, and commitment to the public good.

The Museum tells this story through a historically accurate reconstruction of Montpelier, where visitors can experience the human dimension of history through place-based interpretation. Sustaining this site ensures that future generations can connect meaningfully with the values, struggles, and aspirations that shaped the United States. 

 

Community Impact

The General Henry Knox Museum is more than a museum building; it is a community asset.

Through this campaign, the Museum will:

• Serve local schools with enhanced curriculum-aligned educational programs

• Support heritage tourism and the local economy

• Offer inclusive public programs, lectures, and free community events

• Provide a shared space for civic pride and cultural connection

Investment in the Museum is an investment in community vitality, education, and regional identity.

 

Campaign Priorities

1. Building Repair

• Replacement and repair of the front porch

• Replacement and repair of the roof top balustrade and clerestory windows

• Siding work and exterior painting of the entire building

• New Veterans Memorial Walkway

2. Interpretation & Education

• New and updated exhibitions

• Expanded school and lifelong-learning programs

3. Long-Term Stewardship

• Light-filtering windows to protect the collection inside

• Collections storage and conservation enhancements

• Reserve funds to ensure ongoing care of the building and the museum’s collection

 

Looking Ahead and Invitation to Lead

Philanthropic leadership is essential to the success of this campaign. With your support, the General Henry Knox Museum will remain a place where history lives-not as a relic of the past, but as a living resource that informs, educates, and inspires.

Lead donors will:

• Play a defining role in preserving a nationally significant nationally significant cultural resource

• Be recognized as partners in shaping the Museum’s future

• Leave a lasting legacy aligned with education, history, and civic responsibility

Every gift—large or small—moves us closer to a future where the story of Henry Knox continues to inspire.

Together, we can preserve this remarkable stie and ensure that the legacy of General Henry Knox endures for generations to come.

 

Montpelier Rising

Honorary Co-Chairs

Judith Kalaora, Founder and Artistic Director of History at Play and lecturer for the United States Army War College

Nathanial Philbrick, Best-selling American author of history, winner of the National Book Award and finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize in History

Chris Rector, Former Publisher, art gallery owner, and Maine State Senator from Thomaston, Maine

Committee Members

Scott Craig, Co-Chair

Necole Janczura, Co-Chair

Benie Colvin

Barry Hodge

Herman Kohlmeyer

Molly S. Kellogg

Michael Moore

 

Please join us in restoring Montpelier, the only museum in the Country honoring

General Henry Knox, one of the greatest heroes of the Revolutionary War. 

To donate please send checks to : General Henry Knox Museum P.O. Box 326 Thomaston, ME 04861.

Please designate the donation for Montpelier Rising.
Please call the Museum 207-354-8062 for details if you would like to donate

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