Staff
Jenny Waters
Museum Manager
Jenny started as Lee-Fendall's Collections Management Intern in the summer of 2022. During her internship, Jenny was involved in researching and accessioning new objects into the collection, and cataloging many pieces into the museum’s collections database. Jenny went on to become the museum’s Collections Assistant where her main responsibilities were continuing the work in cataloging objects as well as co-curating the temporary exhibit “From Trash to Treasure: Uncovering the Downhams.” In addition, Jenny organized the donation of 39 objects from the Stansfield family, who had previously loaned pieces to the collection in the late 1980s.
As Museum Manager, Jenny continues to wear many hats. In addition to continuing her research and interpretation of the women's history of the house, Jenny is the organizer of Lee-Fendall's annual Spring fundraiser, Wine & Art Night. Jenny is the creator of the museum's World War II walking tour of Alexandria. She plans to continue her research in the history of the secret military intelligence facility, P.O. Box 1142, as well as create a World War I walking tour of Alexandria to be offered in Fall 2025.
Before Lee-Fendall, Jenny graduated with a degree from Bucknell University. In addition to the coursework, she was a lab assistant in the Classics department’s ancient glass lab. Her interest in studying historical objects was sparked as she sifted through bags of glass from the ancient city of Gordion, Turkey. Jenny recently completed the highly-regarded Graduate Certificate in Collections Management and Care from George Washington University’s Corcoran School of the Arts & Design in 2024.
Publications:
Madeline Feierstein
Lead Historian
Madeline Feierstein is a dedicated local historian with a deep expertise in American history, particularly focusing on psychiatric institutions, military hospitals, and prisons. Madeline co-founded the Civil War Research Team and developed the popular Civil War Hospital Tour. Her meticulous research has been showcased at prestigious institutions, including the Alexandria Historical Society and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. She leads significant projects documenting the soldiers who were treated and fell in Alexandria’s wartime hospitals.
Additionally, Madeline guides cemetery tours with Gravestone Stories and is a high school history teacher in Fairfax County, VA. View her research and read her published articles at www.madelinefeierstein.com
As the Lead Historian, Madeline develops educational and historical programming. She spearheads projects to continuously interpret the Lee-Fendall House in a holistic and inclusive manner.
Originally from Washington D.C., Madeline earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminology from George Mason University. She has received her Master of Arts in American History from Southern New Hampshire University and plans to continue her academic journey with a doctoral degree in history in the near future.