Longtime Montpelier Supporter Joe Grills Remains Committed to Constitution and Madison Legacy

90-year-old Rapidan resident has devoted decades of time, energy and resources to preserving James Madison's historic home

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Joe Grills, a 90-year-old Rapidan resident, has been a longtime supporter and leader at James Madison's Montpelier. With a deep passion for American history and the Constitution, Grills has served as the chairman of Montpelier's board of directors and has made generous donations to support the site's mission of educating visitors about Madison, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Despite facing challenges and divisions at Montpelier in recent years, Grills remains committed to the organization's core purpose and is working to bring back donors and restore focus on its key educational initiatives.

Why it matters

Montpelier plays a crucial role in preserving the legacy of James Madison and educating the public about the founding principles of the United States. Grills' long-standing involvement and support have helped sustain Montpelier through difficult times and ensure it can continue fulfilling its mission of civic education for generations to come.

The details

Grills, a successful businessman who had a long career at IBM and Merrill Lynch, moved to Virginia in the mid-1990s to pursue his love of bird-hunting and get more involved in civic life. His deep interest in American history and the Constitution led him to become heavily involved with Montpelier, where he has served as board chair and played a key role in securing major donors. Even during a divisive period at Montpelier in recent years, Grills has remained committed to the organization's core purpose of teaching about the Constitution, James and Dolley Madison, and the Bill of Rights.

  • Grills was born in 1936 in San Antonio, Texas and grew up in a military family that moved frequently.
  • In 1939, at age 4, Grills' family moved from Louisiana to Hawaii, where he struggled with a severe stutter that he later overcame through speech therapy.
  • Grills earned a business degree from Duke University and an MBA from the University of Chicago, then had a long career at IBM and Merrill Lynch before retiring and moving to Virginia in the mid-1990s.
  • Grills' wife, Marge, passed away in 2022 after 64 years of marriage.

The players

Joe Grills

A 90-year-old resident of Rapidan, Virginia who has been a longtime supporter and leader at James Madison's Montpelier, serving as the chairman of the board of directors and making generous donations to support the site's mission.

Marge Grills

Joe Grills' wife of 64 years, who passed away in 2022.

Krista Costello

The acting president and chief operating officer of James Madison's Montpelier, who has worked closely with Joe Grills for many years.

James Madison

The fourth President of the United States, who is best known as the primary author of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Dolley Madison

The wife of James Madison, who played a key role in shaping the social and political life of early America.

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What they’re saying

“Joe is thoughtful, collaborative and deeply committed to Montpelier's mission. He brings a deep respect for James Madison's legacy and a clear belief in the enduring importance of the Constitution and civic education, and he approaches his work with focus, integrity and generosity.”

— Krista Costello, Acting President and Chief Operating Officer, James Madison's Montpelier

“Together with his late wife, Marge, Joe also played a pivotal role in restoring Lewis Hall, helping transform it into a vital space for Montpelier's work. The building was named in honor of William 'Bill' Lewis and Peyton Lewis, reflecting Joe and Marge's desire to recognize the people and relationships that have shaped Montpelier's history and future.”

— Krista Costello, Acting President and Chief Operating Officer, James Madison's Montpelier

What’s next

Grills continues to work closely with Montpelier's leadership to ensure the organization remains focused on its core mission of educating visitors about the Constitution, James and Dolley Madison, and the Bill of Rights, even as it navigates past challenges and divisions.

The takeaway

Joe Grills' decades-long commitment to preserving James Madison's legacy and supporting the educational mission of Montpelier demonstrates the power of individual civic engagement and philanthropy to sustain important historical sites and institutions. His work serves as an inspiring example of how one person can make a significant impact on their community and the broader public good.