10/06/2026
STAFF HIGHLIGHT: Washington Heritage Museums is proud to celebrate Dr. Veronica Allison, a Site Interpreter at both the Mary Washington House and the Rising Sun Tavern, whose love of history, music, and teaching recently came together in a memorable way. In 2025, while on her lunch break, Veronica successfully defended her doctoral dissertation for Liberty University’s Doctor of Worship Studies in Ethnomusicology. She was dressed in 18th-century attire and seated inside Mary Washington’s home—a fitting setting for research rooted in music, culture, and history.
Veronica brings remarkable dedication to every part of her work. She began at the Mary Washington House as a gardening volunteer before becoming an interpreter, and she hand sews all her own colonial attire. Most recently, she participated in the Slave Dwelling Project, where she spoke about the clothing and apparel worn by enslaved people. Visitors may also recognize her from her musical contributions at Mary Washington House holiday programs or from sharing lively pirate lore at the Rising Sun Tavern.
“To be a part of a museum like that as an interpreter, you can’t just memorize a script,” Veronica said. “You’re required to continue your learning. I’m always reading about something, learning about something new, or going to another 18th-century home.” Her curiosity and commitment to continued learning make her a thoughtful and engaging guide for guests exploring Fredericksburg’s 18th-century stories.
Beyond the museums, Veronica has spent 37 years as the Assistant Music Director at New Life in Christ Church in Fredericksburg, and her doctoral research explored why children’s choirs remain an important part of worship and music education. She is also the Director of the New Life Festival of the Arts. We are grateful to have Veronica as part of the Washington Heritage Museums team and fortunate to share her knowledge, creativity, and passion with our visitors!
