Congratulations to Leslie Buhler of Tudor Place for a Job So Very Well Done

Leslie Buhler will be stepping down as executive director of Tudor Place after 15 years of what the historic house and garden non-profit called, “transformational leadership.” Buhler arrived in 2000 and set on making sure one of Georgetown’s crown-jewel historic properties was maintained to the highest standards and included a master preservation plan of restoration and upkeep. She also made the home at 31st and Q Streets more accessible to everyone — designing a modern museum program that included a digital presence.

Tudor Place was completed in 1816 by Thomas Peter and his wife Martha Custis Peter, a granddaughter of Martha Washington, and is noted for its architecture, archive, and extensive collections, including more than 200 items owned by Martha and George Washington. Now a National Historic Landmark on five and a half acres in Georgetown, the estate had been open to the public 12 years when Buhler took the helm.

Buhler expanded Tudor Place programs and tours for young and old, alike, newcomer and longtime Georgetown supporters. Her educational efforts benefit 3,000 children each year. She has maintained a great relationship with her Georgetown neighbors.

As for maintaining the National Historic Landmark house, Buhler and Tudor Place made good use of a $3.5-million campaign funded in part by awards from Save America’s Treasures and the D.C. government. The house, the grounds and the collection have never been in better shape. Of course, the need for adequate funding continues.

“Tudor Place has benefited enormously from Leslie’s outstanding leadership and engagement with the community,” said Geoffrey B. Baker, president of Tudor Place’s board of trustees. “She has led the institution through a major assessment and planning process and developed an educational component that engages young and old with the powerful lessons of American history and culture. It is with profound gratitude that we wish Leslie well.”

“I’ve experienced great professional and personal satisfaction in advancing one of the greatest house museums in the nation’s capital, bringing attention to the extraordinary collection and archive it holds, and engaging the public with wonderful historic and cultural resources unique to Tudor Place,” Buhler said. “I look forward to the next chapter in my life knowing that the museum is stronger and poised to successfully complete a capital campaign to ensure its future as a 21st-century museum.”

Georgetown is indeed fortunate to have had Buhler at Tudor Place. The town is immensely grateful to her for all for her work in ensuring that one of its treasures is not only is cared for but shines as it is enjoyed by so many and will be for years to come. She has been and remains our friend.