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ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden has promoted Jenny Waters to museum director, the Old Town institution announced Wednesday.
Waters first joined the Lee-Fendall House in the summer of 2022 as a collections management intern, a role she took on after deciding to pursue a career in museums and historic preservation. During her internship she also completed a graduate certificate in collections management and care from George Washington University. She was subsequently promoted to collections assistant in the fall of 2022 and rose through the ranks before being named museum manager.
During her tenure, Waters launched the museum's World War II Walking Tour of Alexandria, established the annual Wine & Art Night spring fundraiser — which raised more than $4,000 in its first year — and curated three special exhibitions, including the current show, At Home with Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, on view through the end of 2026. She also grew membership by 38 percent, secured new grant funding, and expanded the museum's volunteer and intern base. At 26, she has advanced into a director-level position.
"Jenny took the helm during a difficult transition and turned this museum around," said Dave Heiby, treasurer of the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation, which owns and operates the Lee-Fendall House. "Her promotion to museum director is fully deserved."
"We are so delighted and fortunate to have Jenny as our new director," said Karyn Kenny-Dougherty, vice president of the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation. "She is a phenomenally talented young woman who we know will continue to bring a renewed vibrancy and positive energy to the museum."
Waters said she plans to continue strengthening partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, broaden membership opportunities, and enhance visitor experiences.
"I am truly grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, board members, and supporters," Waters said. "Together, we will continue preserving the history of the Lee-Fendall House while creating meaningful experiences that connect our community with Alexandria's past."
Her promotion comes as the museum pursues several preservation projects, including the installation of historically appropriate wallpaper throughout its period rooms and the rehabilitation of the sun porch to its 19th-century appearance.
Beyond her work at Lee-Fendall, Waters serves as membership chair of the Historic House Museum Consortium, is a commissioner for the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, and is a founding member of the DC Public History Collective. She was also a scholarship recipient for the 2026 Small Museum Association Conference.
Built in 1785, the Lee-Fendall House has operated as a museum for more than 50 years. It is located at 614 Oronoco St. Admission is $10 per person; guided tours are offered on the hour with the last tour at 3 p.m. The grounds and garden are open to the public free of charge during museum hours. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. More information is available at leefendallhouse.org.
