James Madisons Montpelier We The People Spring 2015 | Page 7

SPRING 2015

Rubenstein’s gift marks a turning point for Montpelier. It took more than $25 million to complete the
architectural restoration of the mansion, celebrated with the nation on Constitution Day, September 17,
2008. Over the Foundation’s 15-year history, many generous donors contributed to its mission, ultimately
attracting Rubenstein’s investment. He doesn’t mind the attention for his love of country, because he hopes
his gifts will inspire others to do the same.
To help commemorate his gift on the day of the announcement at the Hunt Races, Imhoff sat down and
recorded an interview with Rubenstein to capture why he is interested in James Madison’s Montpelier,
and to share his story with others.
Tell us about your Patriotic Philanthropy. Why does Montpelier
mean so much to you?
Americans should know their history. To the extent that people
have opportunities to give money, their time, or energy, I would
like them to consider doing things that help remind Americans
of the history we have–the good and the bad—and also remind
people that we have a unique system.
The U.S. Constitution we have is very unique. It has lasted
more than 225 years, and it was authored principally by James
Madison. So I think he deserves a great deal of credit for the
system of government we have, and for the freedoms and rights
we enjoy as Americans.
More specifically, why does James Madison matter to you, and
why should others care?
For many reasons, I think he is one of the most important figures
in history, but he doesn’t get as much credit as say George
Washington or Thomas Jefferson. Madison is the principal author
of the Constitution, the principal author of the Bill of Rights, the
man who served as secretary of state during the time of the
Louisiana Purchase, and the man who served as fourth president
of the United States—leading us through America’s first war.
Without him, we might not have the rights we often take for
granted today, such as religious freedom. People should recognize
Madison as one of our most important founders and as one of the
people most responsible for the country we have today.
Why should Americans care about the Constitution?
As I mentioned, the Constitution has survived for more than 225
years. In the history of mankind, no other governing document
has survived that long and is still in use.
It was the first document of its kind in setting up a new
government, and while it had its flaws—like slavery—it did have
many of the features that made it possible for our country to
grow into the nation it has become.

When you visited with me at Montpelier last year, you saw the
ghosted structures marking the location of slave quarters in
the area known as the South Yard and you wanted to see them
developed further. Why is that important to you?
Our Constitution had a major defect—slavery. As much as we
admire George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James
Madison—among others—they were slave owners. When you visit
Mount Vernon, Monticello, or Montpelier, you need to know that
slaves lived there and that the slaves made it possible for those
individuals to conduct the lives that they had. Montpelier and the
other founders’ homes are out of context without slave quarters;
therefore, it is important to rebuild them authentically and
accurately. In doing so, we can share more deeply with visitors
the lives of the slaves and the arc of African American citizenship.
What do you hope the impact of your gift will be?
When you make a gift to a place like Montpelier, you hope that
other people will follow. By taking this step forward and making
this gift, I hope others will say, “if Montpelier needs some
additional resources, then let’s give as well.”
What would you say to encourage others to support Montpelier?
I wish I could say, “if you give to Montpelier, you will get to
heaven more quickly.” I can’t say that for certain, but I can say,
“why take the chance.”
What would you say to encourage people to visit Montpelier?
I think it’s important for Americans to recognize their history.
If you don’t remember your history, you’re condemned to make
the mistakes that wer