Foxcroft & VPHA Host “The Garden Legacy Project” to Highlight Place-Based Learning with a Journey Through History

Travis Shaw, Director of Education for VPHA, and Tony Willis, Head Librarian for OSGF, opened the event with a welcome, introductory remarks, and an expression of gratitude for those in attendance. “By coming to programs like this, you are helping to support our mission of preservation through education,” said Shaw. Dr. Lisa Kaenzig, Foxcroft’s Head of School, then introduced the two faculty members who would lead the presentation. “I see the magic that our faculty do in the classrooms every day and all over this gorgeous campus to grow our girls,” shared Dr. Kaenzig, “and I am so grateful to them.”

As a continuation of their research project and collaboration with the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, Fisher and Tuttle began their lecture, which delved into the work of Miss Charlotte and Bunny Mellon ’29 as they championed place-based education on the School’s uncommonly beautiful campus.

Fisher and Tuttle structured their presentation into two parts. With a historic perspective, “Part I: The Garden at Heart” documents “the pioneering work of Miss Charlotte and Bunny Mellon ’29, who both made themselves heard in a time when female voices were often quieted and who both kept the garden at heart throughout their days,” said Fisher. Their findings illustrated how Noland and Mellon ’29 lived out Foxcroft’s values through hands-on lessons and experiences, and oversaw the development of outdoor spaces such as Miss Charlotte’s Garden and the Audrey Bruce Currier Library courtyard. Their collection of archival photography and correspondence highlights Noland’s influence on Mellon ’29, which then carried over to Oak Spring through subtle tributes to Foxcroft, such as the riding raincoat from her school days, painted with permanence at the request of Mellon ’29 in her greenhouse. “Lessons in grit, determination, and loyalty are embedded in both gardening and riding,” reflected Fisher. “Miss Charlotte recognized the value of both endeavors, especially for young, developing minds.”

In “Part II: the Garden in Mind,” Fisher and Tuttle explore the ways their own interdisciplinary collaboration has yielded unique learning experiences for current students. “Miss Charlotte and Bunny valued the bounty of our natural resources and the historic significance of this site as well as its sheer beauty,” shared Tuttle. “We endeavor to embody those same ideals set forth over a century ago in our own teaching.” Initiatives have included the annual Science Photography Contest, the introduction of a Scientific Illustration course, field trips to Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF), exhibits with Artists in Middleburg, the experiential art event “Look Up” with ET Projects and OSGF, Purdue University’s EPICS (Engineering Projects in Community Service Learning) projects centered around the enhancements of a local community garden, and so much more. Reflecting on all that has been accomplished thus far, they are only motivated to keep innovating. “In keeping with Miss Charlotte and Bunny Mellon’s enduring relationship,” remarked Tuttle, “we look forward to many future years of fruitful interdisciplinary and community-focused collaborations.”

Following their presentation, Fisher and Tuttle answered a few questions before inviting guests to explore the campus on a walking tour. Marked with more archival imagery, visitors could take in the place while having the context of the history and planning behind it.

In June, Fisher and Tuttle will share their expertise again, this time with a global audience of educators at the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools’ (ICGS) Global Forum in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Kaenzig shared a reflection from the conference proposal acceptance letter, saying, “It was lovely what the committee said about how they would love to have this work heard by women all around the world who are running schools for girls.” How fortunate Foxcroft is to have Julie Fisher and Dr. Meghen Tuttle spearheading learning opportunities designed for how girls learn best!

Beginning with early “seeds of collaboration” many years ago and blooming into a true passion project, Fisher and Tuttle formally began this work in the summer of 2023 when they were awarded a Kenan Grant from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, which supports professional development of faculty for summer research, scholarship, and creativity to enhance teaching and learning at the School. While the grant funds one summer of professional development, Fisher and Tuttle’s continued collaboration over the years that followed demonstrates their own passion for the subject and pursuit of knowledge as lifelong learners.