The Alumni House

The William and Mary Alumni House is located in the heart of historic Williamsburg, Virginia on the campus of the College of William and Mary. The original portion of the House, formerly known as the Bright House, dates from 1871 and was built on a tract of land once called, appropriately enough, "New Hope."

The Bright House was home to several generations of the William and Mary family, including the Kappa Alpha fraternity, World War II veterans and College faculty. As the function of the house changed, so did its exterior appearance, which underwent several renovations over the years, all the while retaining its mid -- 19th century architectural identity. Following a campaign begun in 1973 by the William & Mary Alumni Association, it became the "Alumni House," and has been the headquarters for the Alumni Association and our visiting alumni since then.

Through the generosity of many friends, the Alumni House was transformed over the past decade. Rededicated during 1997 Homecoming festivities, the 21,000 -- square foot House is a careful adaptation of the historical building, preserving the elegance and grace of the original structure.

Indoor Areas:

Leadership Hall

The William and Mary Alumni House is an ideal site for your event. Offering rooms and outdoor areas with considerable character and architectural interest, the House's many spaces may be combined in a number of ways, making it a distinctive location for events as varied as a large reception followed by a formal dinner, an executive retreat, or an informal outdoor barbecue.

The House's largest room, the elegant Leadership Hall, can accommodate 120 people for a seated dinner and approximately 180 for a standup reception. The Class of 1945 Grand Foyer and adjoining Class of 1944 Gallery form a lovely two-level space that can accommodate up to 60 guests for receptions, meetings or gatherings. The Foyer features a baby grand piano, offering the possibility of live music.

In addition to these new areas, the original rooms in the historic portion of the House have been restored and re-appointed. The J. Wilfred Lambert '27 Hallway provides access to the Paschall Library, the Chandler and Pollard Rooms, and the new addition. It makes an elegant buffet service or break area for these rooms.

The Davis Y. Paschall '32 Library, named in honor of the 22nd president of the College, is home to works by alumni authors, and provides an intimate meeting space for small groups.

The Julian A.C. Chandler '91 Room, dedicated to the 18th president, can accommodate slightly larger groups of up to ten. It features portraits of past presidents of the College, as well as alumni who have served as governor for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Honoring the 61st governor of Virginia, the John Garland Pollard Room, with its large antique conference table and adjoining sitting room, can accommodate meeting groups of up to eighteen and receptions for twenty-five.

Using all of the adjoining spaces described above, the Alumni House can readily host an indoor reception for 300.

Outdoor Areas:

Elizabeth and T.C. Clarke Memorial Plaza

For large gatherings, the Elizabeth and T.C. Clarke Memorial Plaza can comfortably seat 250 people for luncheons and dinners; the entire Plaza may be tented. Facing Zable Stadium, Clarke Plaza is paved with hundreds of engraved bricks, commemorating special times, people and places in the lives of the William and Mary family. Adjacent to the Clarke Plaza is the Family Courtyard, ideal for smaller gatherings of up to 50 people.

Adjoining Leadership Hall is the covered Ukrop Terrace, which overlooks Clarke Plaza and the College's stadium. The Terrace may be used in conjunction with Leadership Hall to accommodate a seated meal for 180 guests.

Memorial Plaza on the east side of the House is a lovely shaded venue for receptions or gatherings of up to 60 people. Given by the Classes of 1940, 1944 and 1945, the Memorial Plaza features engraved bricks honoring those members of the William and Mary family who died in World War II.

Booking Information:
To see if the Alumni House is available for your event, send an e-mail to Scott Crabbs, the Alumni Center facilities coordinator or call 757.221.1176. In your message, please specify the date, size and purpose of your event.