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By Cassidy Smith
Marketing & PR Manager
In the rich tapestry of Bellingrath Gardens & Home’s history, one figure stands as a stalwart guardian of its legacy — Tom McGehee. As we celebrate his remarkable milestone of 30 years with us, it’s only fitting to shine a spotlight on the man who has been the custodian of the Bellingrath Home since January 1994.
Stewardship of Bellingrath Home In his capacity as the Director of the Bellingrath Home, Tom oversees the 15-room historical gem, tending to its precious collection of decorative arts, antiques, and archives. His meticulous care extends to the Delchamps Collection of Boehm Porcelain, a testament to his unwavering commitment to preserving Bellingrath’s cultural heritage.
A Scholarly Pursuit of History and Architecture Tom’s passion for history and architecture is evident in his extensive academic journey. Honored with the 2023 Nappie Award for Best Local Historian and distinguished accolades, his commitment to scholarly pursuits is truly exemplary. From the Elizabeth Gould Award in 1996 to global programs like the Victorian Society’s Newport and London Summer Schools, Winterthur’s Winter Institute of Decorative Arts, and the Attingham Trust Summer School, Tom’s passion resonates in every pursuit.
Beyond Bellingrath: A Man of Community Tom’s impact extends far beyond the garden gates. A dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Mobile, he served as its president and continues to contribute to various community organizations, including the Friends of Magnolia Cemetery and the Friends of the Alabama Governor’s Mansion. His accolades include being named Rotarian of the Year in 2012.
Sharing Knowledge: Lecturer and Columnist A recognized expert, Tom has been a regular lecturer for the Roads Scholar program since 1997, sharing his wealth of knowledge on Mobile’s historic districts and Magnolia Cemetery. His insightful “Ask McGehee” column in Mobile Bay Magazine has been a monthly staple for over a decade, earning him the Readers’ Choice Award consistently.
Global Connections Originally hailing from Bronxville, N.Y., Tom’s influence extends globally. From appearing in the “Lost Mobile” series on “Gulf Coast Today” to contributing as an editor for the Magnolia Messenger, his impact reaches far beyond our shores.
As we express our heartfelt gratitude for Tom McGehee’s three decades of dedication, we look forward to many more years of his invaluable contributions to Bellingrath Gardens & Home. Here’s to the past, present, and future with a guardian of our heritage and a cherished member of our Bellingrath family.