Harbour, John E.

John E. Harbour served in the position from 1984 to 1987 after several previous directorships at historic sites and museums. Harbour worked to improve research access to historic collections and update interpretation of museum exhibits. He helped implement a reorganization plan at Mount Vernon, creating a Research Department and expanding the roles of other departments including Education, Curatorial, Library, and Development. Harbour also wrote the “Report on the Recommended Improvements to the Museum, Museum Annex and Outbuildings” in 1986. Several major accomplishments marked the tenure of Neil W. Horstman, Resident Director from 1987 to 1994, including the Historic Structures Report, the first stages of the Pioneer Farm project, and the Piscataway Park Expansion.