About Us

The Royal Oak Foundation engages Americans in the work of the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, one of the world’s largest and most progressive conservation organizations.

Royal Oak members gain free entry to over 300 historic houses and gardens, access to some of Britains most dramatic countryside and over 700 miles of coastline owned by the National Trust. Historic properties range from Winston Churchill’s Chartwell, the boyhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Countryside areas include significant parts of the Lake and Peak Districts. Coastal areas include the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and St. Michaels Mount, to name just a few.

In the United States, Royal Oak offers a wide range of member programs and activities focused on the National Trust, British art and architecture, fine & decorative arts, gardens, history, as well as conservation and historic preservation. These tours and day trips, as well as our Drue Heinz Lectures, are offered in various U.S. cities.

Royal Oak also hosts regular special events such as its annual fundraiser, the Timeless Design Award & Gala Benefit honoring patrons of the arts and design fields, and the acclaimed Seeds For Thought garden lectures.

As an independent U.S. not-for-profit organization, Royal Oak fundraises for National Trust priorities and offers Americans a tax-deduction for their contributions and member dues. To date, the Foundation has raised and granted over $7 million to support the work of the National Trust. Projects range from the acquisition of important coastline, to restoring historic houses, to helping re-acquire works of art separated from their original properties. Royal Oak also sponsors selected Fellowships and Scholarships for Americans who wish to learn more about the National Trust and the rich heritage of Great Britain.

The Royal Oak Foundation’s programs are made possible by membership dues, special events, and your generous contributions. We thank you for your support.

Board of Directors

Mrs. Henry J. Heinz, II
HONORARY CHAIRMAN

Patrick S. Gallagher
CHAIRMAN

Herbert L. Camp
VICE CHAIRMAN

David O. Brownwood
TREASURER

Ian Hooper
SECRETARY

Charlotte P. Armstrong
Carrie Rebora Barratt
David Beal
Friederike K. Biggs
Mary Rose Bolton
J. Scott Burns
James F. Caughman
Tracy Williamson Dart
Ronald Lee Fleming
Suzy Grote
Robert J. Higgins
Pamela K. Hull
Sir Simon Jenkins
Thomas M. Kelly
Glen Lajeski
Marilyn Ross Miles
Josephine Ward Patton
Bruce Coleman Perkins
J. Rodney Pleasants
Dame Fiona Reynolds, DBE
Lynne L. Rickabaugh
J. Thomas Savage, Jr.
Suzanne Cameron Schutz
P. Allen Smith
P. Coleman Townsend, Jr.

Advisory Council

Edward A. Montgomery, Jr.
CHAIRMAN

Peter J. Bates
Warren Davis
Martin D. Drury, CBE
Richard E. Faggioli
Richard Gaddes
Deborah Gage
The Duke of Grafton, KG
Damaris S. Horan, MBE
Dame Jennifer Jenkins, DBE
The Viscount Norwich
Edwina Sandys, MBE
Sir Angus Stirling
John E. Young